Justinas “jL” Lekavičius has confirmed that he is returning to professional Counter-Strike 2 after signing a contract with a new team. The former NAVI rifler revealed the agreement during a livestream but did not identify the organisation he will represent.
The announcement ends jL’s brief period as a free agent following his departure from NAVI in July. An official roster reveal is expected in the near future, although neither the player nor a prospective organisation has provided a date.
jL Says His New Contract Is Already Signed
During his stream, jL told viewers that he had completed a deal with a team. He stopped short of sharing its name or providing further information about the roster.
The confirmed details remain limited:
- jL has signed a professional playing contract
- The identity of his new organisation is still undisclosed
- He expects to join the team officially in the near future
Until the organisation announces the move, claims linking him with specific rosters should be treated as speculation. The statement confirms his return, but it does not establish which competitive level, region or tournament schedule awaits him.
The central news is no longer whether jL will return, but where the Major winner will continue his career.
The secrecy may indicate that the organisation is preparing a coordinated roster announcement or completing other transfers. It could also be waiting for registration deadlines, contract formalities or an appropriate moment in the tournament calendar.
NAVI Departure Made jL a Free Agent
NAVI officially parted ways with jL on July 1 after three years with the organisation. He joined the international roster in June 2023 and became one of its most recognisable players.
His period with NAVI produced several major achievements. The team won the PGL Major Copenhagen in 2024, where jL was named the event’s Most Valuable Player. NAVI also claimed the Esports World Cup title later that year.
| Career stage | Key development |
|---|---|
| June 2023 | Joined NAVI’s international roster |
| 2024 | Won the Copenhagen Major and its MVP award |
| July 2025 | Stepped back from regular competition |
| Spring 2026 | Played for Liquid and MOUZ as a stand-in |
| July 2026 | Officially left NAVI |
| August 2026 | Confirmed a new contract |
jL moved to NAVI’s bench in July 2025 after choosing to focus on his personal life and well-being. The break removed him from full-time Tier 1 competition, but he continued following the scene and later expressed interest in returning.
His contract ending with NAVI gave him greater control over his next move. A prospective organisation no longer needs to negotiate a transfer fee with his former team, potentially making him a more attractive option for rosters seeking an experienced rifler.
MOUZ Stint Proved He Could Still Compete
Before becoming a free agent, jL returned to LAN competition through temporary appearances with Liquid and MOUZ.
He first represented Liquid as a stand-in at the Roman Imperium Cup VI in March. The appearance provided his first competitive test after several months away from regular tournament play.
His more significant return came with MOUZ during the spring. jL joined the team for PGL Astana and the CS Asia Championships while the organisation worked through changes to its lineup and leadership structure.
The short spell produced encouraging results:
- MOUZ placed third at PGL Astana
- The team also finished third at the CS Asia Championships
- jL delivered several strong maps during both events
- His experience helped a roster adapting to new roles
Those performances did not result in a permanent MOUZ contract, but they demonstrated that jL could return to international competition without requiring a long rebuilding period. He also gained recent experience under pressure against established opposition.
Experience and Personality Increase His Value
jL offers more than individual firepower. He has played in championship-level systems, understands the demands of international rosters and brings extensive experience from high-pressure playoff matches.
His personality has also made him one of the more marketable players in Counter-Strike. During his time with NAVI, his emotional reactions, interviews and interaction with fans helped him develop a large following.
For a new organisation, that combination can provide several benefits:
- Major-winning experience
- Proven performance on large stages
- Familiarity with international communication
- Strong visibility and fan engagement
However, the eventual fit will depend heavily on role distribution. jL previously operated as an aggressive rifler and space creator, but his next team must decide how those responsibilities interact with its existing players.
A move to an established Tier 1 organisation would create immediate expectations. Joining a younger or rebuilding project could instead give him more influence over the team’s identity and development.
Assessment
jL’s announcement confirms one of the most anticipated CS2 returns of the summer. His MOUZ performances showed that his break had not removed his ability to compete at a high international level, while the end of his NAVI contract made a permanent move easier to complete.
The unanswered question is whether he has joined an existing contender or a developing roster. No organisation should be considered confirmed until an official announcement appears.
His Major title, MVP award and recent LAN results make him a valuable addition on paper. The success of the transfer will still depend on role compatibility, motivation and how quickly he adapts to a full competitive schedule.
For now, jL has provided the most important confirmation himself: his time away from professional Counter-Strike is ending, and his next chapter has already been decided.
