Justinas "jL" Lekavičius (born September 29, 1999) is a professional CS2 player from Lithuania. He plays for Natus Vincere. His rise in the CS2 world came from hard work, focus, and smart gameplay. He started as a casual player and grew into one of the top names in the scene.
Early Interest in Counter-Strike
JL first played Counter-Strike 1.6 but didn’t take it seriously. He got more into the game around age 15 or 16. At first, he just wanted to beat his brother and classmates. But soon, he wanted to compete with other players in Lithuania and even beyond.
What really hooked him was the feeling of winning duels and clutches. He liked being aggressive and confident in fights. In clutches, he often peeked first to surprise his enemies. This bold playstyle is now a big part of how he plays the game.
Influence of Professional Players
Path to Professional Gaming
When jL was around 19 or 20, he chose to go pro in esports. He worked hard and moved from Lithuanian mixes to joining MAD Lions, a Spanish team, on December 23, 2021. This was a big step for him. The team made it into the top 30 for a while but later dropped out in January.
Even though the team struggled, playing for MAD Lions was his first real shot in pro CS. When the org shut down its CS division, jL kept playing. He didn’t give up. His hard work paid off when he and his teammates won REPUBLEAGUE Season 3. They beat Fnatic in the finals and took home $75,000.
Stint with Apeks
On August 7, 2022, jL joined the Norwegian team Apeks. This was a big move for him. The roster had well-known names like kuben, nawwk, jkaem, STYKO, and shox. jL was the least experienced, but he fit in fast and made an impact. Their first big result came at Fragadelphia 17. They made it to the semifinals and won $10,000. At the Paris Major, Apeks finished 3rd–4th. jL played 18 maps and ended with a strong rating of 5.6.
Joining NAVI
Before winning the PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024, NAVI had already placed second at ESL Pro League Season 18 – the last big CS:GO event. After s1mple left, NAVI added w0nderful from Sprout. Many doubted the new lineup, but it quickly rose to the top 10. At the Copenhagen Major, NAVI won it all. jL stood out and earned the MVP award for his performance.
The 2024 run
The second season of 2024 was even better for NAVI, reaching six finals in a row. They started with a final at BLAST Premier: Spring Final 2024 and ended with the victory of IEM Rio 2024. The team also won the Esports World Cup 2024 and ESL Pro League Season 20. The end of the season wasn’t great with NAVI failing to make it to the Major playoffs.
2025 Season struggles
NAVI’s 2025 season was tough, with jL’s highs and lows reflecting the team’s inconsistency. They reached semifinals at IEM Katowice and BLAST Bounty Spring 2025 but exited early at IEM Melbourne and PGL Astana. At Austin Major the team reached the playoffs but fell to Vitality. The changes were inevitable.
Marriage, fatigue, and NAVI pause
Since July 2024, jL’s life shifted dramatically. On June 29, 2025, he married streamer Kamilė "Kamil3e" in Lithuania, a milestone after proposing in late 2024. The wedding marked a new chapter. JL felt burned out. In a YouTube vlog, he shared, “I was not happy playing anymore,” citing mental fatigue and the sacrifices of Tier-1 play.
On July 8, 2025, NAVI announced jL’s break, moving him to the inactive roster to focus on his well-being and marriage. He plans a three-to-six-month pause, aiming to be a supportive husband and explore life beyond CS2. NAVI replaced him with NAVI Junior’s Drin "makazze" Shaqiri, who debuted at IEM Cologne 2025.
Recognition and support
When jL returned to Lithuania after winning the Major, he was welcomed with huge support from fans and family. It was an emotional moment for him. His success meant a lot to the local esports scene.
jL has always supported Lithuanian esports. He often takes part in local events and tournaments. He’s played for home teams at events like Amber Clutch Season 6 and United21 Season 3. His commitment to the community has earned him a lot of respect and love in Lithuania.
Future goals
jL plans to return to CS2 by December 2025, possibly not with NAVI. He aims to win IEM Cologne or Katowice, proving his Major wasn’t a fluke. Long-term, he’s eyeing streaming or esports roles, balancing gaming with his new life as a husband. His break reflects a focus on mental health and family, with hopes of returning stronger.
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