In a surprising turn of events, former professional soccer player Nicklas Bendtner has fully acquired Danish esports organization Team Singularity. Bendtner, who previously played for prominent clubs such as Arsenal and Wolfsburg, announced his retirement from football three years ago. Since then, he has ventured into the burgeoning world of esports with a focus on investment and management.
Bendtner has established the Legendary Gaming Group, an entity that aims to revolutionize the esports landscape through innovative gaming experiences, elite talent development, and thrilling events. The group has already made investments in entities such as New Breed Agency and Legendary Arena, along with a yet-unnamed esports and gaming brand.
The Legendary Gaming Group is strengthened by a team of seasoned professionals, including Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer, Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech. Team Singularity has an established history in the esports scene, particularly in the UK/Nordics League of Legends (NLC), and was part of the old ESL UK Premiership. However, the team fell into a period of dormancy before this recent acquisition, underlining Stehouwer's efforts to find a 'proper home' for the team.
“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,” said Stehouwer.
Bendtner’s personal journey into esports began during the COVID-19 pandemic when he started playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO). He even owned a small CSGO team called Prosapia Esport. In November 2022, he participated in a CSGO showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals in Copenhagen, representing Team Denmark in front of a home crowd.
“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 shared. While his exact role in the company is yet to be determined, Bendtner’s passion for esports is evident. His involvement brings a unique blend of traditional sports experience and enthusiasm for gaming.
Team Singularity has teased an upcoming announcement set for August 1st, 2024, which could potentially mark a new chapter for the organization under its new ownership. The esports community is keenly awaiting this reveal, especially considering the historical significance and popularity of Team Singularity in early UK League of Legends circuits.
Meanwhile, Legendary Gaming Group is bracing to make significant inroads in the industry. The group’s mission promises to deliver innovative methodologies and events that could reshape how esports are perceived globally. The inclusion of sports figures like Bendtner adds a layer of credibility and draws attention to how traditional sports athletes are increasingly investing in the esports sector.
Bendtner, often known for his larger-than-life persona, brings a new dimension to the often virtual and digitally driven world of esports. His acquisition of Team Singularity and creation of the Legendary Gaming Group adds to his diverse portfolio, blending his love for gaming with astute business acumen.
This narrative is further enriched by Bendtner’s colorful past, which includes holding the record for the fastest goal scored by a substitute in Premier League history—a testament to his instincts and quick reflexes, skills that undoubtedly translate into the fast-paced realm of esports. His career has seen highs and lows, from high-profile games with Arsenal to being granted the humorous yet regal title of "Lord" in a Danish celebrity tabloid stunt.
The esports industry increasingly finds itself intersecting with the world of traditional sports, and figures like Bendtner are at the forefront of this convergence. As Legendary Gaming Group moves forward, Bendtner’s dual expertise offers the potential to create groundbreaking experiences and foster new talent within this ever-evolving field.
As the esports scene continues to grow and attract diverse investments, Bendtner and his team at Legendary Gaming Group are poised to play a significant role. With a blend of passion, experience, and strategic vision, they aim to leave a lasting impact on the esports landscape.