Justinas “jL” Lekavicius is a professional Counter-Strike 2 player from Lithuania who has steadily risen through the esports ranks. Known for his versatility and adaptability, he began his career in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) before transitioning to Counter-Strike 2 (CS2). Over the years, jL has played for several teams, most notably MAD Lions, Apeks, and Natus Vincere (NAVI). His contributions to these teams have resulted in significant tournament placements and individual accolades. This article provides an in-depth look at his career, team history, achievements, and influence in the competitive CS2 scene.
Personal Information – Justinas “jL” Lekavicius
- Full Name: Justinas Lekavicius
- In-game Name: jL
- Nationality: Lithuanian
- Born: September 29, 1999
Early Career and Rise in CS:GO
jL began his professional Counter-Strike journey in CS:GO, where he developed his skills and gained early recognition. Although he started competing at a smaller scale, his strong in-game sense, adaptability, and mechanical proficiency quickly set him apart. His performances caught the attention of various teams, leading to his first notable opportunity in the Spanish organization MAD Lions.
MAD Lions – First Big Break
In December 2021, jL joined MAD Lions, a Spanish esports organization known for fostering emerging talent. While competing under MAD Lions, jL and his team worked their way into the upper tier of the competitive scene, reaching the top 30 in the world rankings.
Despite making progress, MAD Lions eventually decided to exit the Counter-Strike scene, leaving jL and his teammates without an organization. Undeterred, they continued competing independently and went on to win REPUBLEAGUE Season 3, a notable tournament victory against Fnatic. This achievement marked a turning point in jL’s career and showcased his ability to perform under challenging circumstances.
Joining Apeks – Stepping onto the International Stage
On August 7, 2022, Lithuanian talent jL was signed by the Norwegian esports organization Apeks. The move placed him alongside well-known players such as kuben, nawwk, jkaem, STYKO, and shox. Despite being one of the least experienced players on the roster, jL quickly adapted and proved to be a valuable asset to the team.
Notable Achievements with Apeks
- Fragadelphia 17 Semifinalist: jL and the Apeks squad reached the semifinals, displaying resilience against strong opposition.
- BLAST Paris Major 2023 – 3rd-4th Place Finish: One of the biggest milestones of jL’s career at the time was helping Apeks secure a high placement at the Paris Major.
His standout performance at BLAST Paris Major 2023 was crucial for the team, where he ended the tournament with a notable tournament rating of 5.6 over 18 maps. This success brought attention from larger esports organizations.
Natus Vincere (NAVI) – A New Challenge
On June 30, 2023, jL made a pivotal career move by joining Natus Vincere (NAVI), one of the most successful organizations in Counter-Strike history. He was part of NAVI’s newly revamped roster, which also introduced Aleksib and iM. This roster change posed significant challenges, including a shift to English communication, as NAVI had traditionally operated using Russian as the primary language.
Despite initial skepticism surrounding the new lineup, jL played a crucial role in the team’s adaption, benefiting from his previous experience speaking Russian. As a result, NAVI quickly re-established itself within the top 10 global standings.
Milestone Achievements with NAVI
- PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024 – Winner & MVP: Marking a career-defining moment, jL helped NAVI secure victory at the Major and earned an MVP award, becoming the first Lithuanian to achieve such recognition.
- ESL Pro League Season 20 – Winner & MVP: jL secured another significant victory with NAVI and was again honored with an MVP award.
Biggest Tournament Wins
- 🏆 PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 – 1st place, $500,000
- 🏆 Esports World Cup 2024 – 1st place, $400,000
- 🏆 Intel Extreme Masters Cologne 2024 – 2nd place, $180,000
- 🏆 ESL Pro League Season 20 – 1st place, $170,000
- 🏆 Intel Extreme Masters Rio 2024 – 1st place, $100,000
Awards and Recognition in CS:GO & CS2
- MVP – PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024: Given for exceptional individual performance during the tournament.
- MVP – ESL Pro League Season 20: Recognized for consistent contributions throughout the league.
Trivia – Facts About jL
- jL’s transition to NAVI required the team to switch from Russian to English communications. His knowledge of Russian played a key role in assisting the team’s adaptation.
- He is one of the most experienced players in NAVI’s current lineup.
FAQ – Common Questions About jL
What is jL’s real name?
jL’s real name is Justinas Lekavicius.
Where is jL from?
He is from Lithuania.
Which teams has jL played for?
jL has played for MAD Lions, Apeks, and Natus Vincere (NAVI).
What was jL’s first notable win?
His first significant tournament win was REPUBLEAGUE Season 3, where his team defeated Fnatic.
What are jL’s biggest achievements?
His biggest achievements include winning PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024 and ESL Pro League Season 20, both of which earned him the MVP award.
When did jL join NAVI?
He joined NAVI on June 30, 2023.
What role does jL play in NAVI?
jL is a rifler known for his adaptability and impact plays.
How has jL adapted to NAVI’s communication challenges?
NAVI transitioned from Russian to English communications after signing international players. jL’s knowledge of Russian helped facilitate this transition.
Has jL won a Major in CS2?
Yes, jL won the PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024 with NAVI and was named MVP.
What makes jL a standout player?
His versatility, consistency in tournaments, ability to adapt to new roles, and leadership qualities make him a key player in any roster.
