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Burned Bright, Won Big, Stepped Away: The Story of jL

Articles
Jul 11
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In Counter-Strike, not every legend is built over years of dominance. Some players shine intensely, achieve greatness quickly, and step away before the light fades. This is the story of Justinas “jL” Lekavicius, a player who rose from near-retirement to Major glory, all while becoming one of the most respected figures in the CS2 community.

From Almost Quitting to Tier-1: The Rise of jL

Born on September 29, 1999, in Lithuania, jL’s path to professional Counter-Strike was anything but easy. At one point, he seriously considered quitting esports altogether. Struggling to make ends meet and doubting his future in the game, jL thought about working as a courier to build a different life.

But his girlfriend—now his wife—encouraged him to keep going, believing in his talent when he no longer did. Her belief paid off.  jL continued competing, working his way through teams like selectah, MAD Lions, and Apeks.

His breakthrough came at the BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023, where he helped Apeks reach the semifinals—a result that caught the attention of Natus Vincere. In June 2023, he joined NAVI, marking a major shift as the team transitioned to English communication for the first time. Many questioned whether he was ready for tier-1. He answered with his play.

The Breakout Year: jL’s Explosive 2024

The year 2024 saw jL rise to the absolute elite of CS2, with a string of landmark victories:

  • PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024 Champion
  • Major MVP — the first and only Lithuanian to earn this honor
  • ESL Pro League Season 20 Champion and MVP
  • IEM Rio 2024 Champion
  • Esports World Cup 2024 Winner
  • Top 5 Player of 2024
  • Closer of the Year

More than just statistics, jL’s value to NAVI came from his unique energy. He became the emotional centerpiece of the team, always playing with passion, positivity, and joy. He celebrated every moment—on the stage, on camera, and with the fans—making him one of the most engaging personalities in the scene.

jLegend: The Meme that Became the Truth

Alongside his in-game success, jL became the subject of a community meme: “jLegend”.

Unlike typical esports memes born from irony or trolling, jLegend was born out of genuine respect and admiration. It reflected:

  • His kindness toward everyone, on and off the server.
  • His humble attitude, regardless of victory or defeat.
  • His sportsmanship and emotional authenticity.

Even after his decision to take a break in July 2025, this respect was publicly echoed by none other than Andrii “B1ad3” Horodenskyi, NAVI’s legendary coach. In a heartfelt message, B1ad3 simply wrote: “jLegend.”

One word. One truth. A player remembered not just for his clutch plays, but for the way he treated people.

The Pause: A Decision for Life

jL’s decision to step away from competition was deeply personal. He spoke openly about the reasons:

  • The desire to spend more time with his wife and be present in their life together.
  • The need to focus on health, including plans for gym training, kickboxing, and mental recovery.
  • The choice to avoid becoming a burden to his team through potential injury or burnout.
  • An interest in exploring content creation beyond traditional streaming.
  • A wish to support his wife, who had single-handedly managed much of their shared life while he focused on CS.

I want to come back stronger, mentally and physically. I’ve missed out on many things in life, he said.

The decision was entirely his own. NAVI respected it. The fans respected it. And the scene embraced it.

The Legacy of jL: A Legend Beyond the Game

From almost giving up to becoming a Major MVP and one of the most loved personalities in CS2, jL’s journey is proof that talent, hard work, and kindness can coexist.

He burned bright. He won big. He stepped away on his own terms. And through it all, he became jLegend—not just for what he did, but for who he is.

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