In a significant development within the world of esports, former professional soccer player Nicklas Bendtner has taken a definitive step into the gaming industry by acquiring 100% of Danish esports organisation Team Singularity. Bendtner, who carved out a notable career playing for prominent clubs like Arsenal and Wolfsburg, announced his retirement from football three years ago. With his latest move, he appears to be embracing his new passion wholeheartedly.
The acquisition marks a bold stride for Bendtner, who has established an investment and management company called Legendary Gaming Group. This firm is committed to transforming esports through elite talent development, thrilling events, and groundbreaking gaming experiences. "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," Bendtner remarked.
Joining Bendtner at Legendary Gaming Group are seasoned esports professionals such as Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer and Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen, along with Stephen Shine and Jonas Rosbech. The collaboration brings together a wealth of experience and expertise aimed at pushing the boundaries of esports innovation.
Team Singularity and Tricked Esport have a rich history in the UK/Nordics League of Legends NLC, though Tricked Esport ceased operations last year. Team Singularity, on the other hand, has a longer legacy, having been a part of the early days of the UK LoL scene since as early as 2017, including participation in the old ESL UK Premiership.
Stehouwer expressed his enthusiasm about the merger, 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."
Bendtner's journey into gaming began during the COVID pandemic, when he started playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO). He even owned a small CSGO team named Prosapia Esport. His growing interest in the esports space was further highlighted in November 2022 when he participated in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen, playing for Team Denmark. This venture into gaming appeared as more than a passing interest, culminating now in his full-fledged entry into esports management.
Beyond his endeavors on the virtual playing fields, Bendtner has made headlines for various reasons throughout his career, including his relationship with Danish royalty and a quirky chapter where a Danish tabloid purchased him a square foot of land in Scotland, endowing him with the title of “Lord.” Moreover, Bendtner holds the record for the fastest goal scored by a substitute in Premier League history—a feat accomplished in just 1.8 seconds against Tottenham on December 22, 2007.
Looking ahead, Team Singularity has teased an announcement set for August 1st, 2024, indicating that more exciting developments are on the horizon for the organization under Bendtner's stewardship. The transition of Team Singularity to Legendary Gaming Group signals not just a change in ownership, but a strategic realignment aimed at leveraging new opportunities in the fast-evolving esports landscape.
Overall, with an accomplished team at the helm and a clear vision for the future, Legendary Gaming Group is poised to make significant waves in the esports industry. Bendtner's personal investment and active role in the company's growth underscore his commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in this dynamic field. As he aptly put it, "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."
As esports continues to intersect with traditional sports, Nicklas Bendtner’s transition from football to gaming represents a fascinating confluence of two worlds, driven by a shared passion for competition, skill, and entertainment.