YEKINDAR Explains Why He Didn’t Shake Hands With NAVI After 13–2 Nuke at the Budapest Major

FURIA rifler Mareks “YEKINDAR” Gaļinskis has clarified why he skipped the traditional post-match handshakes with NAVI after FURIA’s dominant 13–2 win on Nuke in Stage 3 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025.

According to a statement relayed by Cybersport.ru, YEKINDAR said he was ill and avoided physical contact to avoid infecting NAVI’s players. He stressed that the decision was not related to disrespect and signed off with a simple “GG,” noting that FURIA were preparing to face Imperial later the same day.

The Nuke blowout capped a strong start for FURIA despite what YEKINDAR had earlier described in a Pley.gg interview as a rough bootcamp. He said the team only found momentum near the end of their preparation but remained confident in FURIA’s deep map pool and their ability to adapt. He also emphasized his respect for NAVI, saying he enjoys playing them.

The handshake moment drew extra attention because NAVI have previously been involved in handshake-related discussions. Earlier in the CS2 season, NAVI rifler jL publicly said he sometimes avoids handshakes for health reasons, offering fist bumps instead. NAVI also made headlines in 2024 when the team chose not to shake hands with Virtus.pro in what analysts described as a political protest.

In this case, however, YEKINDAR’s explanation makes clear that the decision was purely about player health during the Major.