In a surprise move that has sent ripples through both the sports and esports worlds, former professional soccer player Nicklas Bendtner has acquired a 100% stake in the Danish esports organization Team Singularity. This bold acquisition marks a significant pivot for Bendtner, who enjoyed a high-profile career with clubs like Arsenal and Wolfsburg before retiring from professional football three years ago.
Bendtner, known to many as "Lord Bendtner" – a moniker afforded to him by a Danish celebrity tabloid in 2015 – has been nurturing a growing interest in esports. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he delved into Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO), and even owned a small team called Prosapia Esport. His esports involvement also saw him participate in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals in Copenhagen last November, playing for Team Denmark.
The acquisition of Team Singularity is orchestrated through Bendtner’s new venture, the Legendary Gaming Group, an esports-focused investment and management company. The Legendary Gaming Group has already carved out a niche for itself, investing in New Breed Agency, Legendary Arena, and an as-yet-unnamed esports and gaming brand. The group’s mission is ambitious: "revolutionising esports with cutting-edge gaming experiences, elite talent development, and thrilling events."
Reflecting on his new venture, 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.”
The Legendary Gaming Group is helmed by an impressive lineup of industry veterans, including Atle Stehouwer, the founder of Team Singularity, and Morten Jensen, the founder of Tricked Esport. Stephen Shine and Jonas Rosbech also join the formidable team. This collaboration aims to solidify Team Singularity’s place in the esports arena and drive forward the broader objectives of the Legendary Gaming Group.
“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 Atle Stehouwer, expressing his optimism for the future.
Team Singularity, which has been a staple in the early days of the UK League of Legends (LoL) scene since 2017, has faced several ups and downs over the years. It was once part of the old ESL UK Premiership and has competed in the UK/Nordics League of Legends NLC. The team has been pivotal in shaping competitive LoL in the region and remains a key player as the esports landscape continues to evolve.
The mention of Tricked Esport brings a note of nostalgia and promise. Tricked, which closed down last year, was a well-known competitor in the same league. The convergence of talent and experience from both Team Singularity and Tricked under the Legendary Gaming Group umbrella signals a potent force that could reignite both teams’ legacies in the esports world.
Notably, the esports community anticipates exciting developments from Team Singularity, given the team’s recent teaser for an announcement set for August 1st, 2024. While details remain under wraps, the involvement of Legendary Gaming Group indicates that significant initiatives are in the pipeline.
Interestingly, Bendtner's multifaceted personality continues to add to his allure in the public eye. Beyond his sporting achievements, his engagement with royalty and pop culture garners attention. In March 2015, Bendtner received the title of "Lord" after Danish celebrity tabloid 'Se og Hør' bought him a plot of land in Scotland. His relationship with Caroline Luel-Brockdorff, who comes from Danish royalty, further cemented his profile as a star blend of sports and celebrity culture.
Bendtner also holds a unique record in soccer. He scored the fastest goal by a substitute in the English Premier League's history, finding the net just 1.8 seconds after coming onto the pitch against Tottenham on December 22, 2007. This rapid strike remains a standout moment in his illustrious playing career.
As the esports and traditional sports worlds increasingly intertwine, figures like Bendtner play a crucial role in bridging the two arenas. His entry into the esports management sphere hints at a dynamic future where talent, business acumen, and crossover appeal come together to create unprecedented experiences for fans and competitors alike.