AC Milan footballer Simon Kjær launches esports organisation

AC Milan and Danish international footballer Simon Kjær has announced his own esports organisation called WOPA Esport.

The Danish esports organisation will enter Counter-Strike 2 after signing four players from CEPTER BITSKINS. Originally known as Alpha Gaming, CEPTER BITSKINS revealed on social media that it will ‘transition to WOPA Esports’.

Kjær will be joined by Martin Rosenbæk, the Founder of esports news site HLTV, who has been named co-owner. HLTV has disclosed that 10% of WOPA is owned by Rosenbæk’s family-held company Rosenbæk & Sønner, as well as 1% by Rosenbæk personally. Nicolai Orbe has also been named as the organisation’s Director.

Kjær joins an ever-growing list of footballers that have invested in the esports sector. Last year, the likes of Vinicius Jr, Lionel Messi, and Pontus Jansson became co-owners of notable esports organisations LOUD, KRU Esports and GODSENT, respectively. Moreover, the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Casemiro also have Counter-Strike-focused esports organisations.

The 35-year-old defender is a well-known footballer across Europe, having played for the likes of Lille, Fenerbahçe and Sevilla before joining AC Milan in 2020. The player is also the current captain of Denmark’s national football team.

As of right now, there are no details as to whether the organisation will expand into other game titles. According to WOPA Esports, the organisation’s ethos is centred around creating a healthy, non-toxic community and developing Danish talent.

According to the AC Milan player, the decision to enter Counter-Strike 2 is also due to his admiration of the game. In a social post, he said: “I love playing Counter-Strike myself, and I hope to be able to help young girls and boys find and cultivate their passion.”

The organisation’s roster debut occurred earlier this week at Dust2.dk Ligaen Season 26, a regional Danish Counter-Strike 2 event.