Nicklas Bendtner Purchases Team Singularity, Launches Legendary Gaming Group
Former professional soccer player Nicklas Bendtner has taken a significant step into the esports arena, acquiring 100% ownership of Danish esports organisation Team Singularity.
Bendtner, who made a considerable mark in soccer playing for English Premier League club Arsenal, Wolfsburg, and other teams, hung up his boots three years ago. However, his competitive spirit has found a new outlet. Embracing the burgeoning world of esports, Bendtner has established an investment and management company, the Legendary Gaming Group, designed to make waves in the industry.
Legendary Gaming Group's Ambitions
The Legendary Gaming Group has begun its journey with strategic investments in New Breed Agency, Legendary Arena, and an as-yet-unnamed esports and gaming brand. Promising to revolutionise esports, the group aims to deliver cutting-edge gaming experiences, elite talent development, and thrilling events.
“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 expressed, highlighting his enthusiasm for this new venture. Alongside Bendtner, the team boasts experienced figures in the esports community, including Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer, Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech.
Team Singularity’s Legacy
Team Singularity has a storied history within the UK and Nordic esports scene. They have been active since 2017 and were part of the old ESL UK Premiership. The team has also competed in the UK/Nordics League of Legends NLC. Despite the closure of Tricked Esport last year, Team Singularity remains a significant player in the region.
Bendtner’s Journey to Esports
The transition from soccer to esports may seem unconventional, but Bendtner’s interest in gaming is not new. He began playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO) during the COVID-19 pandemic, even owning a small CSGO team called Prosapia Esport. In November 2022, he showcased his gaming skills by participating in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen, playing for Team Denmark.
“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,” said Stehouwer. “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.”
The 'Lord'
Bendtner, humorously nicknamed “Lord Bendtner” by fans, once owned the record for the fastest goal scored by a substitute in Premier League history—just 1.8 seconds after coming on against Tottenham on December 22nd, 2007. This nickname was further cemented in popular culture when Danish celebrity tabloid 'Se og Hør' bought him a square foot of land in Scotland, bestowing upon him the title of “Lord” in 2015.
Conclusion of an Era, Beginning of Another
This bold move into esports sees Bendtner taking hands-on involvement in the business side of competitive gaming. “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,” Bendtner mentioned.
The esports community can look forward to a significant announcement on August 1st, 2024, as teased by Team Singularity. This news comes on the heels of Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer’s statement about securing a home for the team under the Legendary Gaming Group.
As esports continues its meteoric rise, Bendtner’s involvement adds a fascinating chapter to its development. His unique journey from the grass fields of soccer to the digital battlegrounds exemplifies the ever-expanding and evolving landscape of sports and entertainment.