Nicklas Bendtner, the former professional soccer player once known for his time with clubs like Arsenal and Wolfsburg, has fully acquired Danish esports organization Team Singularity. Following his retirement from football three years ago, Bendtner has turned his focus towards the booming world of esports, establishing his own investment and management company, Legendary Gaming Group.
Joining forces under the banner of Legendary Gaming Group are notable figures such as Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer, Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech. The group is already making significant strides into the esports industry, claiming to ‘revolutionize esports with cutting-edge gaming experiences, elite talent development, and thrilling events.’ Bendtner expressed his enthusiasm, “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.”
Team Singularity, a familiar name to those who have followed the UK/Nordics League of Legends NLC, was part of the old ESL UK Premiership, dating back to its early days in 2017. This historic team, which Stehouwer has diligently shepherded, now finds a new home and direction under the Legendary Gaming Group. Stehouwer shared his excitement: “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 honored 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.”
Adding intrigue to this development is an impending announcement from Team Singularity, teased for August 1st, 2024. This hints at strategic plans or collaborations in the works, aligning with the group’s ambition to redefine the esports landscape.
Bendtner’s journey into esports isn’t entirely new. His interest in gaming burgeoned during the COVID-19 pandemic when he began playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO). He even owned a small CSGO team called Prosapia Esport and played in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals in Copenhagen in November 2022, representing Team Denmark. This hands-on experience in the gaming world undoubtedly enriches his leadership at Legendary Gaming Group.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Bendtner’s colorful personal life has also been of public interest. He was once romantically linked with Caroline Luel-Brockdorff, a member of Danish royalty. And in a quirky turn of events, Danish celebrity tabloid 'Se og Hør' bought him a square foot of land in Scotland in March 2015, bestowing upon him the title of “Lord.” This playful moniker, “Lord Bendtner,” has since followed him, adding to his larger-than-life persona.
Reflecting on his unique journey, Bendtner remains committed to his new venture. “My own role in the company will be an active one, but what the exact title will be is not 100% decided yet, as it also depends on what roles the other sports profiles coming in will have,” he stated, hinting at future collaborations and roles within the conglomerate.
The esports industry continues to gather momentum, drawing attention from former athletes and investors alike. Legendary Gaming Group’s strategic investments, which include New Breed Agency, Legendary Arena, and another soon-to-be-announced esports and gaming brand, underscore its intent to be a key player in this dynamic sector.
This new chapter for Bendtner and Team Singularity signifies more than just a merger. It represents a strategic evolution, a blend of sports and esports expertise aiming to set new benchmarks in the industry. The landscape of professional gaming is ever-changing, and with figures like Bendtner at the helm, the future holds promise for exciting developments and transformative experiences in esports.