NAVI have officially announced that Justinas “jL” Lekavičius has moved to the inactive roster. This news immediately made headlines — not only because of the lineup change, but also due to the symbolic twist it completed: NAVI now simultaneously have two Major MVPs on the bench — jL and s1mple. Two superstars who, in different eras, led NAVI to the top of the world. And now, both are out of the starting five.
Two Majors – Two Paths to the Top
s1mple claimed his MVP title at PGL Major Stockholm 2021, where NAVI crushed G2 (2:0), and Oleksandr closed out the event with a record-breaking 1.47 rating. It was his first Major title and the culmination of years of struggle. At that moment, s1mple became what people had already been calling him — the greatest player in the world.
jL reached his peak in the CS2 era — at PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024, where NAVI triumphed over FaZe (2:1). He finished the tournament with a 1.19 rating, the highest impact on his team, and a string of clutch performances in the playoffs. It was the Major of a new generation — and Justinas became its face.
MVPs, But Not in the Starting Lineup
The irony is glaring: both players are now benched. s1mple stepped down from the active lineup in late 2023, citing emotional burnout. In 2025, he briefly returned as a stand-in for FaZe and later declared:
I’ll find a new home by the end of the year. Even if FaZe don’t buy me out, even if NAVI don’t bring me back — I’ll still find a team, because I want to play.
It’s clear: his return to top-tier Counter-Strike is only a matter of time — but it won’t be in NAVI.
jL joined the inactive roster in July 2025. In his own words, he no longer found joy in the game, was unhappy with his performance, and had lost mental balance:
I knew NAVI were looking for a replacement. I realized I wouldn’t be happy playing while filled with doubt.
He chose to step back — to get back in shape, spend time with family, dive into sports, and even bought a drift car. But he also made it clear: he plans to return in six months.
Two MVPs Benched – The Uniqueness of This Moment
To understand the gravity of the situation, consider this: both players were the faces of NAVI’s most successful Major runs in modern history. One — the driving force behind the first CS2 Major, the other — the GOAT of CS:GO. Today, neither is in the starting five.
This isn’t just a dramatic shift — it’s a historic precedent. No other team in Counter-Strike history has ever had two active Major MVPs benched at the same time.
Community Reactions: Memes, Respect, and Criticism
The community responded instantly. jL’s post — featuring him and s1mple sitting on a beach, champagne in hand, under a “BENCHED” banner — went viral. But the reactions were mixed:
navi now have 2 major mvps on the bench 💀 pic.twitter.com/4qIy4HrTyr
— NAVI jL (@jLcsgo_) July 8, 2025
Support:
- “JLEGEND,” wrote B1ad3.
- “MVPs on the bench.”
- “SAD.”
Sarcasm:
- “2 goats hahaha.”
- “Watching your favorite team go from aura loss into insolvency.”
Criticism:
- “jL you’re washed and weren’t performing.”
- “2 fluke, undeserved major.”
These aren’t just hot takes — they reflect a deeper truth: part of the community isn’t ready for such changes, while others have already moved on.
On the pro side, support also poured in. Legendary Vitality player ropz publicly addressed jL’s decision:
Very solid reasons. Fully agree with you. All the best, brother!
Ropz emphasized that mental and emotional struggles are not uncommon in the high-stakes world of esports.
What’s Next?
For s1mple, it’s a transfer saga waiting to unfold by the end of 2025. He’s eager to return, still in shape, and there’s interest. FaZe or a new project? Anything is possible.
For jL, it’s a pause until winter. But with a clear intention to come back — stronger, more motivated, and perhaps in a different team environment. After his reset, he’s more than capable of returning to top-10 form.
The situation — two Major MVPs benched in the same team — is unprecedented. It’s not just about NAVI. It’s about generational change, shifting priorities, the pressure of staying on top, and the human side of greatness.
- s1mple is the symbol of an era of domination.
- jL is the face of a new CS2 era.
And while they’re both out of the game for now, this isn’t the end — just a pause before the next chapter. Maybe not on the same team. But certainly not the last time we’ll see them shine.
