Former professional soccer player Nicklas Bendtner has taken a significant step into the world of esports by acquiring 100% of Danish esports organization Team Singularity. Bendtner, who is known for his time at clubs such as Arsenal and Wolfsburg, announced his retirement from football three years ago. Since then, he has been channeling his efforts into the burgeoning esports industry.
New Beginnings in Esports
Bendtner's latest venture is the establishment of the esports-focused investment and management firm, Legendary Gaming Group. This group has made notable investments in entities such as New Breed Agency, Legendary Arena, and a yet-unnamed esports and gaming brand. Legendary Gaming Group has ambitious plans, claiming it is 'revolutionising esports with cutting-edge gaming experiences, elite talent development, and thrilling events.'
In an expression of his excitement and vision for the esports landscape, 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.”
Experienced Team at the Helm
Bendtner is not navigating this venture alone. He is joined by a team of experienced esports industry professionals, including Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer, Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech. The assembly of this team was a critical step in establishing a strong foundation for Legendary Gaming Group. Stehouwer shared his thoughts on the merger, expressing his optimism for the future: “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.”
Team Singularity, which has been an active participant in the UK/Nordics League of Legends NLC, and once part of the old ESL UK Premiership, teased an exciting announcement set for August 1st, 2024. This follows Stehouwer's statement on finding a secure and promising home for the team under the Legendary Gaming Group.
From Football Fields to Gaming Arenas
Bendtner’s transition from professional football to esports is not entirely surprising. He began playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO) during the COVID-19 pandemic and even owned a small CSGO team called Prosapia Esport. In November 2022, he showcased his gaming prowess by participating in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen, representing Team Denmark.
Despite this shift from the football field to the gaming arena, Bendtner maintains a notable presence in sports. Reflecting on his role within Legendary Gaming Group, he detailed, “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.”
Legacy and Titles
Nicknamed "Lord Bendtner," Nicklas's life has always attracted media attention, not just for his footballing feats but also for his dramatic personal life. He was once romantically involved with Caroline Luel-Brockdorff, a figure from Danish royalty. His involvement with Danish celebrity tabloid 'Se og Hør' in 2015, where they purchased him a plot in Scotland, even bestowed him the humorous title of “Lord.”
Bendtner remains a memorable figure in football history, particularly for holding the record for the fastest goal scored by a substitute in Premier League history. His goal, netted 1.8 seconds after coming on against Tottenham on December 22nd, 2007, is still talked about amongst fans and pundits alike.
As a notable addition to his expanding esports portfolio, Bendtner’s foray into this new industry is met with both curiosity and excitement. With his former football coach Arsene Wenger recently announced as an ambassador for a new $100,000 FIFAe World Cup of Football Manager esports tournament, it seems the lines between traditional sports and esports are becoming increasingly blurred.
Nicklas Bendtner's transition from football to esports represents an evolving chapter in his career. As he leverages his fame and mastery from the soccer fields to the virtual arenas, fans and followers will be keenly watching how this “Lord” of football navigates and potentially revolutionizes the world of competitive gaming.