Nicklas Bendtner’s New Venture: From Soccer Star to Esports Mogul
Former professional soccer player Nicklas Bendtner, widely known for his time with Arsenal, Wolfsburg, and other notable clubs, has made a significant leap into the world of esports. In a groundbreaking move, Bendtner has acquired 100% ownership of Danish esports organization Team Singularity. This development comes three years after Bendtner announced his retirement from professional football.
The Danish star’s new ambition in esports is marked by the establishment of his investment and management company, Legendary Gaming Group. Leveraging his sporting influence and business acumen, Bendtner aims to revolutionize the esports landscape. The group has already taken strategic steps by investing in New Breed Agency, Legendary Arena, and an upcoming, yet unnamed, esports and gaming brand. Legendary Gaming Group aspires to deliver cutting-edge gaming experiences, foster elite talent development, and host thrilling events.
Joining Bendtner in this venture are some notable names in the esports industry, including Atle Stehouwer, the founder of Team Singularity, Morten Jensen, who founded Tricked Esport, along with Stephen Shine and Jonas Rosbech. This robust leadership team brings a wealth of experience and vision to the table.
"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," Bendtner commented. His passion for esports began during the COVID-19 pandemic when he started playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO), eventually owning a small CSGO team called Prosapia Esport. His enthusiasm was evident when he participated in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals in Copenhagen in 2022, representing Team Denmark.
Team Singularity has been a longstanding participant in the UK and Nordics League of Legends NLC, tracing their roots back to 2017 and the old ESL UK Premiership. With this acquisition, Bendtner and his team are poised to breathe new life into the organization, continuing its legacy in the esports realm. In a recent development, Singularity teased a major announcement set for August 1st, 2024, sparking curiosity and excitement within the esports community.
Reflecting on the journey and future aspirations, Stehouwer expressed his excitement about the merger with 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 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,” he stated.
Bendtner’s involvement in esports comes as part of a broader trend of former athletes finding new ventures post-retirement. His innovative approach and commitment to success are clear indicators of a promising future for Legendary Gaming Group. While his exact role within the company is still being finalized, Bendtner emphasized his eagerness to play an active part in its operations, hinting at the inclusion of other sports profiles who will join the initiative.
Despite the closure of Tricked Esport last year, the collaborative spirit of esports endurance assures that the community remains vibrant and competitive. As echoes of past successes blend with the new energy brought by Bendtner and his team, the esports landscape in the Nordics and beyond is set for a dynamic transformation.
The synergy between sports and gaming continues to evolve, with legendary figures like Bendtner spearheading this exciting intersection. Whether on the football field or the virtual battlegrounds of esports, Bendtner’s influence is unmistakable, promising a future where traditional and electronic sports move concurrently, pushing boundaries and redefining the essence of competitive entertainment.