NAVI's player, Justinas 'jL' Lekavicius, sparked a discussion on social media after he refused to shake hands with fans in the arena. Instead of the traditional handshake, he offered to shake hands, which caused surprise and even aggressive reactions from some people. On his social media, jL explained that this decision was due to his desire to preserve his health and the health of others.

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Takes care of his health

jL emphasized that he doesn't know what bacteria other people can carry, so he refuses to have physical contact with strangers. It is important for him to stay in the best physical shape to continue competing at a high level. He also noted that his refusal to shake hands is a safety measure, not a sign of disrespect for others.

IEM Cologne 2024 semifinal: NAVI vs. MOUZ

Today, NAVI will play in the semifinals of IEM Cologne 2024 against MOUZ. This match is crucial for both teams and fans are looking forward to seeing how NAVI will perform after the handshake incident. The semifinal at the LANXESS Arena will be an important test for both teams, and many hope that NAVI will be able to bring their best game.

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Social media reaction

JL's post on social media caused different reactions. Some users supported his decision, emphasizing the importance of staying healthy, especially during major competitions. Others expressed doubts about his actions, believing that it could be an exaggeration. Prominent figures from the esports community, such as launders and POLOOLPP, also commented on the situation, further fueling the debate.