Nicklas Bendtner Acquires Danish Esports Organisation Team Singularity
Former professional soccer player Nicklas Bendtner has made a significant move in the esports industry by acquiring 100% ownership of Danish esports organisation Team Singularity. The former Arsenal striker, who announced his retirement from football three years ago, is venturing into the gaming world with a bold vision for the future.
Bendtner, who played for top European clubs including Arsenal and Wolfsburg, has established an esports-focused investment and management company named Legendary Gaming Group. The company has already made substantial investments in various esports and gaming ventures, including New Breed Agency, Legendary Arena, and an as-yet-unnamed esports and gaming brand. Bendtner’s Legendary Gaming Group claims to be ‘revolutionising esports with cutting-edge gaming experiences, elite talent development, and thrilling events’.
The acquisition of Team Singularity aligns with Bendtner's ambitions within the esports realm. Team Singularity, a prominent presence in the UK/Nordics League of Legends NLC, is known for its early involvement in the UK LoL scene since 2017, including participation in the old ESL UK Premiership. Despite facing challenges, including the closure of another notable organisation, Tricked Esport, last year, Team Singularity continues to strive for success under new leadership.
Speaking enthusiastically about his new venture, Bendtner said, “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.” His passion for esports has been apparent since he began playing CSGO during COVID-19 and became the owner of a small CSGO team named Prosapia Esport. Bendtner’s involvement in esports was further highlighted when he participated in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen, representing Team Denmark.
Atle Stehouwer, founder of Team Singularity, expressed his satisfaction with the transition. “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.”
Joining Bendtner and Stehouwer at Legendary Gaming Group are notable figures including Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech. The collaboration of these industry veterans aims to bolster Team Singularity’s competitive edge and elevate the team’s presence on the global esports stage.
This strategic move also underscores a broader trend of professional athletes venturing into the esports domain. With figures like Arsene Wenger recently announced as an ambassador for a new $100,000 FIFAe World Cup of Football Manager esports tournament, the intersection of traditional sports and esports continues to grow stronger.
Team Singularity is already generating anticipation with a teased announcement set for August 1st, 2024. The community eagerly awaits what this new era under Legendary Gaming Group will bring. Stehouwer’s statement about finding a home for the team within Bendtner’s company suggests significant developments on the horizon.
Reflecting on his diverse career path, Bendtner, who was once romantically linked with Danish royalty Caroline Luel-Brockdorff and famously bestowed the title of “Lord” by Danish tabloid ‘Se og Hør,’ deems his foray into esports as a natural progression. Notably, Bendtner holds the record for the fastest goal scored by a substitute in Premier League history, netting just 1.8 seconds after coming on against Tottenham on December 22nd, 2007.
As Bendtner transitions from the soccer pitch to the virtual arena, his active role in Legendary Gaming Group exemplifies his commitment to shaping the future of esports. “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 added, highlighting the fluid dynamics within the organisation.
With experienced esports professionals and Bendtner’s passion and vision driving Legendary Gaming Group, the future looks promising for Team Singularity. Fans and industry insiders alike are keenly watching how this new chapter unfolds.