Former Soccer Player Nicklas Bendtner Acquires Esports Team Singularity

In a remarkable move that bridges the gap between traditional sports and esports, former professional soccer player Nicklas Bendtner has acquired full ownership of Danish esports organization Team Singularity. Bendtner, who graced the football world playing for storied clubs such as Arsenal and Wolfsburg, has set his sights on revolutionizing the esports industry.

Bendtner, known to fans as "Lord Bendtner” due to a humorous purchase of a square foot of land in Scotland by Danish tabloid 'Se og Hør' in 2015, announced his retirement from football three years ago. Now, he is making headlines again, not on the pitch, but in the realm of competitive gaming. He has established an esports-focused investment and management company, Legendary Gaming Group, aiming to carve out a significant niche in the rapidly growing world of esports.

The Vision for Legendary Gaming Group

Legendary Gaming Group is not just another name in the esports industry. The group has already made significant investments in New Breed Agency and Legendary Arena, with plans to unveil a new, yet-unnamed esports and gaming brand. The group's ambition is succinctly captured in its mission to ‘revolutionize esports with cutting-edge gaming experiences, elite talent development, and thrilling events’.

Joining Bendtner on this ambitious venture are notable figures such as Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer, Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen, and executives Stephen Shine and Jonas Rosbech. Together, they form a powerhouse team capable of leveraging their combined experience and networks to elevate Legendary Gaming Group and its affiliated brands.

Setting the Stage for Team Singularity

Team Singularity has a storied history in the UK and Nordic esports scene, competing in leagues such as the UK/Nordics League of Legends NLC and the old ESL UK Premiership. Bendtner’s acquisition comes at a pivotal moment for the team, especially after founder Atle Stehouwer expressed his delight in finding a new home for the team under 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," Stehouwer said. "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.”

Bendtner's Personal Passion for Esports

Bendtner’s interest in esports is not merely a business venture but also stems from personal passion. He began playing CSGO during the COVID-19 pandemic and even owned a small CSGO team, Prosapia Esport. His involvement in esports reached a notable peak in November 2022, when he participated in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen, representing Team Denmark.

Bendtner’s enthusiasm for gaming is evident. “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,” he expressed.

What’s Next for Legendary Gaming Group and Team Singularity?

While the exact details of Bendtner’s role within the company are yet to be finalized, he has made it clear that his involvement will be active. “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 explained.

Team Singularity is already stirring anticipation by teasing a significant announcement set for August 1st, 2024. As they prepare to embark on this new chapter under the Legendary Gaming Group umbrella, the team's integration of seasoned professionals and fresh investments sets the stage for a promising future in esports.

The transition from traditional sports to esports is a growing trend, underscored by the involvement of notable sports figures like Bendtner and Arsene Wenger, who was recently named an ambassador for a $100,000 FIFAe World Cup of Football Manager esports tournament. Bendtner’s journey from the football pitch to the esports arena illustrates the merging of two worlds and the expanding horizons of competitive gaming.

With Bendtner’s passion and the collective expertise of the Legendary Gaming Group, the future looks bright for Team Singularity and the evolving landscape of esports. Fans and industry watchers alike will be keenly observing as this new chapter unfolds.