Nicklas Bendtner Acquires 100% Stake in Team Singularity
In a move that bridges the worlds of traditional sports and burgeoning esports, former professional soccer player Nicklas Bendtner has acquired full ownership of Danish esports organization, Team Singularity. Best known for his time with renowned clubs such as Arsenal and Wolfsburg, Bendtner retired from football three years ago and has since embarked on a new venture into the esports industry.
Bendtner's foray into esports isn't merely a hobby; it's backed by a serious business initiative called Legendary Gaming Group. This investment and management company, established by Bendtner, has already made strategic investments in several esports-related entities, including New Breed Agency and Legendary Arena. Moreover, the group plans to launch a yet-to-be-named esports and gaming brand, promising to "revolutionize esports with 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," said Bendtner, reflecting his enthusiasm and commitment to this new venture.
A Strategic Partnership
Joining Bendtner in this ambitious project is Atle Stehouwer, the founder of Team Singularity, and Morten Jensen, the founder of Tricked Esport. Other key figures include Stephen Shine and Jonas Rosbech, all of whom bring a wealth of experience and knowledge in the esports arena. Team Singularity has a storied history in competitive gaming, particularly in the UK and Nordic scenes, with a presence that dates back to the early days of UK League of Legends (LoL) in 2017. The team was also part of the old ESL UK Premiership.
"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."
While Tricked Esport, once a competitor in the UK/Nordics League of Legends NLC, closed down last year, its legacy lives on through the involvement of its founder Jensen in Legendary Gaming Group. The collective expertise of these industry veterans is expected to synergize well under Bendtner’s leadership.
From Football to Esports
Bendtner's interest in gaming isn't newfound. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he began playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO) and even owned a small CSGO team called Prosapia Esport. His engagement with esports took a notable turn in November 2022 when he participated in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen, playing for Team Denmark.
Beyond his exploits on the virtual battlefield, Bendtner's interesting personal life adds another layer to his public persona. Once linked with Caroline Luel-Brockdorff, who comes from Danish royalty, Bendtner himself earned the moniker "Lord" from Danish celebrity tabloid "Se og Hør," which purchased a square foot of land in Scotland for him, bestowing the honorary title. Additionally, he holds the Premier League record for the fastest goal scored by a substitute, a remarkable 1.8 seconds after entering the field, in a match against Tottenham on December 22, 2007.
The Future of Team Singularity
Under Legendary Gaming Group, Team Singularity is poised for significant growth and evolution. A major announcement is scheduled for August 1st, 2024, which promises to shed more light on the future direction of the team and the wider group's initiatives. This news follows Stehouwer’s statement about finding a stable and supportive home for Team Singularity under the wings of Legendary Gaming Group, ensuring its continuity and potential for success.
Bendtner's role within Legendary Gaming Group will be active, though his exact title is yet to be finalized as it will depend on the roles of other incoming sports profiles. "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 noted.
The esports industry can undoubtedly benefit from the experience and vision of former professional athletes like Bendtner. With their competitive mindset, understanding of team dynamics, and commercial acumen, they could bring a fresh perspective that pushes the envelope in what is already one of the most rapidly growing sectors globally.