Simon Kjær, a football player for AC Milan and captain of the Danish national men’s team, has ventured into the world of esports by founding his own Counter-Strike team called WOPA Esport.
Introducing WOPA Esport
Kjær announced his new investment today through his X account, revealing the creation of an esports organization with a Counter-Strike roster. The team will be known as WOPA Esport and will feature five young Danish players making their debut in the online local league Dust2.dk Ligaen Season 26.
🛫 𝗪𝗢𝗣𝗔 has arrived 🛬#TheWopaWay pic.twitter.com/ozWaYWTCSb
— WOPA Esport (@WopaEsport) April 15, 2024
Embracing Esports
Kjær’s investment follows a trend of famous footballers joining the esports scene in recent years. Notable names include David Beckham (Guild Esports), Sergio Agüero and Lionel Messi (KRÜ Esports), Casemiro (CASE Esports), and Gerard Piqué (KOI). However, WOPA seems to be more of a grassroots project, as it has not signed any high-profile CS:GO players.
WOPA Esport Roster: Young Talent
The CS:GO players in WOPA Esport include:
- Christian “Vster” Vestergaard (22 years old)
- Lucas “Gnøffe” Brunsvig (21 years old)
- Benjamín “brzer” Jensen (22 years old)
- Thomas “LUMSEN” Søhus Larsen (21 years old)
- Jamie Bugge “leakz” West Jensen (21 years old)
WOPA owner @simonkjaer1989 💭👇
"I love playing Counter-Strike myself, and I hope to be able to help young girls and boys find and cultivate their passion."
📸 @fbbillederdk #TheWopaWay pic.twitter.com/G3AwgY4sJv
— WOPA Esport (@WopaEsport) April 15, 2024
Andreas “addi” Wallenberg
The young quintet will be coached by the Swedish coach Andreas “addi” Wallenberg, a former professional CS:GO player who transitioned into coaching in December 2021.
Fostering Talent
Kjær expressed his passion for Counter-Strike and his desire to help young people find and nurture their own passions. While WOPA Esport currently only has a male team, Kjær has hinted at the possibility of forming a female team in the future.
Building a Community
WOPA’s vision for esports includes promoting a healthy and professional approach, fostering a non-toxic community, and providing a space for everyone, with a focus on developing Danish talent.
Dust2.dk Ligaen Season 26
Although most of the players already played together in CEPTER BITSKINS, they will make their debut under the WOPA banner on April 16. Their first match will be in Dust2.dk Ligaen Season 26, which has a prize pool of approximately $11,500.
A New Chapter in Esports
As WOPA Esport embarks on its journey in the competitive esports scene, it aims to make its mark in Counter-Strike and contribute to the growth and development of Danish esports talent.