In a surprising turn of events in the esports world, former professional soccer player Nicklas Bendtner has seized full control of Danish esports organization Team Singularity. The former Arsenal and Wolfsburg player, who retired from professional football three years ago, has been making significant moves in the gaming industry, cementing his commitment through the establishment of the Legendary Gaming Group.
Marked by its mission to 'revolutionize esports with cutting-edge gaming experiences, elite talent development, and thrilling events,' Legendary Gaming Group is set to leave an indelible mark on the sector. Bendtner, widely known as 'Lord Bendtner' following a quirky stunt by Danish tabloid 'Se og Hør' in 2015, is not only investing his resources but is actively involving himself in the company.
“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. Though his exact role is still under deliberation, his passion for esports and commitment to the venture is evident.
A New Chapter for Team Singularity
Founded by Atle Stehouwer, Team Singularity has been a staple in the UK/Nordics League of Legends NLC since 2017 and was part of the old ESL UK Premiership. Stehouwer had been seeking suitable partners to take the team to new heights and found a perfect fit in 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,” Stehouwer revealed.
Under the umbrella of Legendary Gaming Group, Team Singularity is poised for a revitalized future. The group's impressive roster of investments includes the likes of New Breed Agency, Legendary Arena, and another yet-to-be-named esports and gaming brand. This strategic push aligns with Bendtner's declared intention to foster innovative gaming solutions and memorable esports events.
Legendary Gaming Group’s Vision
Joining Bendtner and Stehouwer in this venture are notable figures Morten Jensen, the founder of Tricked Esport, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech. Tricked Esport, another long-standing name in the UK/Nordics League of Legends scene, unfortunately closed its doors last year. However, Jensen's expertise in the esports industry adds immense value to the team, fortifying the group's mission of setting new benchmarks in the gaming world.
One of the pivotal elements of Legendary Gaming Group's approach is its focus on developing elite talent and staging captivating events. The group promises to integrate advanced gaming experiences, bringing esports to a broader audience and enhancing its appeal.
The excitement surrounding this merger is further heightened by Team Singularity's recent tease of a significant announcement scheduled for August 1st, 2024. This development hints at potential groundbreaking changes and expansions under Bendtner’s leadership.
Bendtner’s Growing Esports Involvement
Bendtner’s journey into the esports realm began during the COVID-19 pandemic when he started playing CSGO. His growing passion for gaming led him to own a small CSGO team, Prosapia Esport. In a display of his burgeoning skills and enthusiasm for the scene, Bendtner participated in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals in Copenhagen, playing on Team Denmark in November 2022.
While Bendtner’s professional soccer career showcased his unique flair and garnered him a loyal following, his foray into esports seems to be driven by genuine interest and a strategic vision for the industry's future.
As the esports industry continues to evolve, the intersection of traditional sports figures like Bendtner offers intriguing possibilities for growth and innovation. His involvement signals a broader recognition of esports' potential and a testament to its increasing mainstream appeal.
With Bendtner steering the ship at Legendary Gaming Group, the future looks promising for Team Singularity and its associated ventures. The blend of experienced esports professionals and fresh perspectives under Legendary Gaming Group could well pave the way for new standards in competitive gaming. The world of esports awaits the next moves from an illustrious team led by an unexpected but passionate advocate.