jL Joining Team Liquid Called “Very Strange Move” by PCH3LK1N as Liquid Chase Crucial VRS Points

Team Liquid’s decision to field Justinas “jL” Lekavicius as a stand-in has sparked discussion across the Counter-Strike scene, with streamer and analyst PCH3LK1N calling the move “very strange.”

The Lithuanian rifler, currently inactive on Natus Vincere’s roster, will temporarily play for Liquid at Roman Imperium Cup VI. He replaces Guy “NertZ” Iluz, who is unable to attend the event due to travel issues.

PCH3LK1N: Liquid Move Looks Unusual

Reacting to the news, PCH3LK1N questioned the logic behind the temporary transfer.

According to the analyst, the decision looked unexpected given jL’s status and past connections with other regions.

“jL to Liquid looks like a very strange move. From the CIS region there probably weren’t any invites,” PCH3LK1N said.

His comment suggests the Lithuanian player may simply have lacked alternative opportunities at the moment, making the short-term Liquid stand-in role the most realistic option.

Why jL Is Playing for Liquid

The situation emerged because NertZ could not travel to Portugal for Roman Imperium Cup VI. Team Liquid confirmed the issue, explaining that travel restrictions prevented the Israeli rifler from attending the LAN event.

Liquid arranged for jL to step in for the tournament and thanked NAVI for facilitating the temporary move.

Despite the unusual nature of the roster change, jL himself expressed enthusiasm about returning to the server.

“I know how important VRS points are for them right now and I’ll do my absolute best to help my best friend out, flashie. Happy to be back even though it’s not for long,” jL wrote on X.

The player also shares a prior working relationship with Liquid coach Viktor “flashie” Tamás Bea, who previously collaborated with him within NAVI’s system.

Liquid’s Major Qualification Depends on VRS Points

Liquid’s participation in Roman Imperium Cup VI comes at a crucial time for the team. After an early elimination from ESL Pro League Season 23, their chances of qualifying for the next Counter-Strike Major dropped significantly.

Because of that setback, the organization entered additional tournaments such as:

Roman Imperium Cup VI

DraculaN Season 6

These events offer valuable Valve Regional Standings (VRS) points, which directly affect Major qualification.

Analysts estimate that Liquid’s participation in these competitions significantly increases their chances of securing a Major slot.

Liquid’s Difficult ESL Pro League Campaign

Liquid’s urgency stems from a disappointing ESL Pro League run. The team finished Stage 1 with a 2-3 record and was eliminated after a 0-2 defeat against 3DMAX.

The loss was a serious setback for the North American organization, forcing them to seek additional ranking points elsewhere to stay competitive in the Major race.

jL’s Career Break from NAVI

The stand-in appearance also marks a rare return for jL. The Lithuanian star has been inactive since mid-2025 after deciding to step away from competition.

Before his break, jL was one of the most successful players in Counter-Strike, highlighted by:

Winning the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024

Earning Major MVP honors

Helping NAVI win multiple international trophies

Finishing No. 5 in HLTV’s Top 20 Players ranking

Because of that résumé, his availability as a stand-in immediately attracted attention.

A Temporary Roster Move

Despite the excitement around the reunion, the arrangement is expected to be short-term. NertZ is likely to return to the lineup for Liquid’s next major tournament after Roman Imperium Cup VI.

For Liquid, the focus remains clear: collecting enough VRS points to keep their Major qualification hopes alive.

For jL, the event represents a brief return to top-tier competition — even if, as he admitted, it won’t last long.