Nicklas Bendtner, the former professional soccer player known for his stints at Arsenal and Wolfsburg, has transitioned from the pitch to the world of esports. Bendtner has acquired full ownership of Danish esports organisation Team Singularity. This move signifies his growing interest and investment in the competitive gaming sector, which he has been delving into since his retirement from football three years ago.
Following the acquisition, Bendtner has launched the Legendary Gaming Group, a company geared towards esports investment and management. This new venture aims to make a substantial impact on the esports arena. The group has already invested in New Breed Agency and Legendary Arena, and it is planning to introduce an as-yet-unnamed esports and gaming brand.
Bendtner stated, “I am really pleased with the team we have assembled at Legendary and look forward to being part of something bigger in an industry I am fascinated by.” His enthusiasm for esports is evident, and his active role in the company promises to bring fresh energy and perspective to the scene. The exact nature of his role, however, remains in flux, pending the integration of other sports profiles into the company.
A Collaborative Endeavor
Joining Bendtner at Legendary Gaming Group are prominent figures like Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer, Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech. Each member brings a wealth of experience and expertise, enhancing the group's potential to revolutionize the esports industry. Notably, both Team Singularity and Tricked have been competitors in the UK/Nordics League of Legends NLC, although Tricked Esport shuttered its operations last year.
Stehouwer expressed his excitement about the new collaboration, stating, “For the past two years, after being passive in Team Singularity’s operations, I’ve been in talks with numerous potential partners about various opportunities in the market and potentially starting something new. I’m thrilled and honoured to have found a proper home for Team Singularity under the Legendary Gaming Group wings and to have been able to bring a strong ownership group together to form the foundation of Legendary Gaming Group.”
Historic Roots and Future Ambitions
Team Singularity has been an emblematic presence in the early days of UK League of Legends, participating in the prestigious ESL UK Premiership since as early as 2017. The organisation has consistently showcased top-tier talent and competitive spirit, embodying the passion and dedication of its stakeholders. In a bid to evolve and expand its legacy, Team Singularity has teased an announcement set for August 1st, 2024, indicating strategic growth and future plans under Legendary Gaming Group’s stewardship.
This acquisition and the formation of Legendary Gaming Group underscore Bendtner’s commitment to not just being a participant but an innovator in the esports domain. Legendary Gaming Group ambitiously claims it is ‘revolutionizing esports with cutting-edge gaming experiences, elite talent development, and thrilling events.’ With Bendtner's leadership and the expertise of his assembled team, these lofty goals might well be within reach.
An Emerging Passion
Nicklas Bendtner’s journey into esports began during the COVID-19 pandemic when he started playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO). His passion for the game led him to own a small CSGO team named Prosapia Esport. His skills even earned him a spot in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals in November 2022, where he played for Team Denmark at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen.
Beyond his exploits on the virtual battlefield, Bendtner has experienced a colorful life off the field. He was previously in a relationship with Caroline Luel-Brockdorff, a member of Danish royalty. Furthermore, Bendtner humorously carries the title of “Lord,” bestowed upon him by a Danish celebrity tabloid in 2015 after purchasing a square foot of land in Scotland.
Legacy and Impact
Reflecting on his football career, Bendtner is remembered for his record-setting goal for Arsenal against Tottenham on December 22, 2007, which he netted a mere 1.8 seconds after coming on as a substitute. This quick-fire goal remains the fastest scored by a substitute in Premier League history. His ability to make a rapid impact on the field now seems mirrored by his ambitions in the esports industry.
As Bendtner embarks on this new chapter, his involvement in the Legendary Gaming Group not only marks a significant move for his post-football career but also signals potential transformative changes in the esports landscape. Industry observers and fans alike are eager to see how this former football star will shape the future of competitive gaming.