{"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 “jL” Lekavičius has moved to the inactive roster.<\/a> This news immediately made headlines — 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 — 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>

Two Majors – Two Paths to the Top<\/h3>

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 — the greatest player in the world.<\/p>

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

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

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>

I’ll find a new home by the end of the year. Even if FaZe don’t buy me out, even if NAVI don’t bring me back — I’ll still find a team, because I want to play.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>

It’s clear: his return to top-tier Counter-Strike is only a matter of time — but it won’t be in NAVI.<\/p>

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>

I knew NAVI were looking for a replacement. I realized I wouldn’t be happy playing while filled with doubt.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>

He chose to step back — 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>

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

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

This isn’t just a dramatic shift — it’s a historic precedent. No other team in Counter-Strike history has ever had two active Major MVPs benched at the same time.<\/p>

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

The community responded instantly. jL’s post — featuring him and s1mple sitting on a beach, champagne in hand, under a “BENCHED” banner — went viral. But the reactions were mixed:<\/p>

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

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