jL benched from NAVI CS2 roster, here’s why and what’s next

PM and Editor

Publish Date: July 8, 2025

NAVI has revealed that star rifler Justinas “jL” Lekavičiusis is stepping away from the team’s starting lineup in its CS2 roster. Here’s why.

NAVI’s 2025 Counter-Strike 2 esports run looks drastically different from its dominant form in 2024. After going from back-to-back title wins to a string of disappointing losses, the team was forced to reevaluate its approach during the current off-season. As the organization weighed its options, one of the team’s most valuable players expressed a wish to step down temporarily.

Taking to social media, NAVI has confirmed that jL will be taking a short break. He will be temporarily replaced by Drin “⁠makazze⁠” Shaqiri, who was recently promoted to the squad’s main CS2 roster from NAVI Junior. The pro player will debut with the main lineup at IEM Cologne on July 26.

When is jL coming back to NAVI?

jL is expected to return to competitive play by December 2025, but that that return may not be with NAVI. The length of jL’s contract with NAVI has not been publicly disclosed, meaning that it’s possible his six-month break is meant to coincide with his contract expiring and his departing the Natus Vincere esports organization.

jL benched from NAVI CS2 roster

jL joined NAVI in June 2023 following a strong showing with Apeks at the BLAST.tv Paris Major, where his performance caught the attention of top-tier CS2 organizations. Since joining, he has played a significant role in NAVI’s transition into a more international roster. During his time with the team, NAVI secured notable finishes at multiple touranments, including a top placement at IEM Rio 2024 and a championship win at PGL Major Copenhagen 2024.

The year 2025 has been devoid of any such wins however, including a particularly subpar run at the recent BLAST Austin Major. Citing the pressure of performing at tier-1 events, jL mentioned how he no longer feels happy competing and wants to focus on his own life for a while, including his marriage.

“I want to shout out all my teammates and all the people I have worked with. It’s been a blast. It’s been a pleasure. I hope to come back stronger,” jL said.

While he’s stepping away, fans can take comfort in knowing the break won’t be a long one. The pro has assured that he’ll return within six months, joking, “nobody’s going to want this old grandpa” if he stays away any longer. In a detailed vlog, he explained that he’s struggling mentally right now when it comes to competing at the top level of CS2, and that he wants to return as someone more capable of being a tier-one player and thus playing up to his own expectations.

This is the NAVI CS2 roster for IEM Cologne 2025: