NAVI has officially opened applications for its Junior Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) roster. It offers a pathway for young players aged 15 to 17 to develop their skills under the guidance of an experienced coach. Applicants must meet specific criteria, including a FACEIT ELO rating of at least 3,400 and proficiency in English.

This announcement comes after NAVI sold its past junior Counter-Strike team to Turkish organisation FUT Esports on August 1st, 2025, continuing their careers elsewhere. The NAVI Junior project is known for some top players like Drin ‘Makazze�?Shaqiri, who was promoted to the main roster and debuted at IEM Cologne 2025.

In 2025, NAVI strengthened its status as a top esports organisation, promoting its junior Dota 2 roster after success at PGL Wallachia Season 5. Their biggest move this year came in June, when the group joined the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC), hoping they would reach the World Championship.

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Justinas ‘jL�?Lekavičius has stepped down from the Ukrainian powerhouse, NAVI’s Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) roster, to take a personal break from competition. The decision was made mutually between the player and the team.

jL said he had been feeling unhappy for a while and believes he needed time away to focus on his mental health, family, and growth. In a vlog he posted, he shared, ‘I knew I was not happy playing any more…purely of my own thoughts.�?/p>

The 25-year-old joined NAVI in 2023 and has played a key role in the team’s recent runs, including global events. While he didn’t give a set return date, jL mentioned the break could last three to six months.

Upon leaving the main roster, NAVI Junior star Drin ‘makazze�?Shaqiri takes his spot. In an X post by NAVI, they’ve shown full support of jL’s choice, wishing him to find his inner balance and recharge.

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