{"id":204692,"date":"2025-07-08T19:18:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-08T19:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/skin.club\/community?p=204692"},"modified":"2025-07-08T19:18:00","modified_gmt":"2025-07-08T19:18:00","slug":"navi-major-mvps-benched-s1mple-jl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/community.skin.club\/en\/news\/navi-major-mvps-benched-s1mple-jl","title":{"rendered":"Two Major MVPs on the Bench: A Unique Moment in NAVI\u2019s History"},"content":{"rendered":"

NAVI have officially announced that Justinas \u201cjL\u201d Lekavi\u010dius has moved to the inactive roster.<\/a> This news immediately made headlines \u2014 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 \u2014 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.<\/p>\n

Two Majors \u2013 Two Paths to the Top<\/h3>\n

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 \u2014 the greatest player in the world.<\/p>\n

jL reached his peak in the CS2 era \u2014 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 \u2014 and Justinas became its face.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

MVPs, But Not in the Starting Lineup<\/h3>\n

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:<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll find a new home by the end of the year. Even if FaZe don\u2019t buy me out, even if NAVI don\u2019t bring me back \u2014 I\u2019ll still find a team, because I want to play.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n

It\u2019s clear: his return to top-tier Counter-Strike is only a matter of time \u2014 but it won\u2019t be in NAVI.<\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n

I knew NAVI were looking for a replacement. I realized I wouldn\u2019t be happy playing while filled with doubt.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n

He chose to step back \u2014 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.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Two MVPs Benched \u2013 The Uniqueness of This Moment<\/h3>\n

To understand the gravity of the situation, consider this: both players were the faces of NAVI\u2019s most successful Major runs in modern history. One \u2014 the driving force behind the first CS2 Major, the other \u2014 the GOAT of CS:GO. Today, neither is in the starting five.<\/p>\n

This isn\u2019t just a dramatic shift \u2014 it\u2019s a historic precedent. No other team in Counter-Strike history has ever had two active Major MVPs benched at the same time.<\/p>\n

Community Reactions: Memes, Respect, and Criticism<\/h3>\n

The community responded instantly. jL\u2019s post \u2014 featuring him and s1mple sitting on a beach, champagne in hand, under a \u201cBENCHED\u201d banner \u2014 went viral. But the reactions were mixed:<\/p>\n

\n

navi now have 2 major mvps on the bench \ud83d\udc80 pic.twitter.com\/4qIy4HrTyr<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NAVI jL (@jLcsgo_) July 8, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n