Rumors Say jL Will Stand In For Team Vitality mezii at BLAST Open Porto

For a month, the Counter-Strike community has been wondering which team ex-NaVi star jL will join next. New rumors say jL may act as a stand-in for Team Vitality soon: here’s everything we know.

What Team is jL On?

As of right now, Counter-Strike pro Justinas “jL” Lekavičius is a free agent. After moving to an inactive status in 2025, the Lithuanian pro left NaVi in early July 2026. The parties reportedly parted on good terms, with NaVi calling jL “the missing piece that helped the team achieve countless memorable victories.” He was a key part of the org’s lineup, winning the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 under its banner.

jL had represented German org MOUZ on loan from April to late May 2026, participating in PGL Astana 2026 and the CS Asia Championships. The team placed 3rd in both events, a respectable standing. MOUZ is on an upwards trajectory this year, climbing up the Counter-Strike rankings in recent months. It notably won BLAST Bounty Malta 2026.

What Team is jL Joining? The Big Counter-Strike Question

The Counter-Strike community has been speculating for a while about which team jL could join next. FaZe, 100 Thieves, Astralis, and more big names were among netizen’s theories.

Meanwhile, false reports began circulating from several news outlets that jL would join 100 Thieves. If this were true, the leakers claimed he would replace William “sirah” Kjærsgaard on the lineup.

Posts about this reported transfer went viral. Team Vitality captain Dan “apEX” Madesclaire added fuel to the fire when he reposted the announcement and commented: “Joining 100 thieves, joining Faze, why not [Team Vitality]? LOL.”‘

jL also responded to apEX, saying: “zywOo to igl, I take the big green?“

jL is making light of the rumors on his personal accounts. The pro titled an August 4 stream “FAZE/100 THIEVES/VITALITY/ASTRALIS jL HUNTING PROS ON FACEIT.”

jL Is Reportedly Standing In For Team Vitality mezii

The exchange caused a stir on the Counter-Strike internet. Netizens were curious if jL‘s possible move to Team Vitality was real, or just a meme.

It seems like jL might actually spend some time on the team. Vitality core roster member William “mezii” Merriman has just welcomed a baby, so he’s taking some time off to care for his little one. jL will reportedly stand in for mezii as a Team Vitality sub during BLAST Open Porto, which will occur from late August to early September. In addition, apEX is also going on a hiatus as he becomes a father, and jL will allegedly take up his spot for PGL Masters Bucharest in October.

Commentator, analyst, and Gen One Esports rep @KRL_Stream originally dropped the news. The move makes logical sense: it would explain jL and apEX’s conversation and fit into the timeline.

It’s important to note that jL’s move to Team Vitality, if it occurs, would likely not be permanent. The roster has consistently performed well over the past few years, and jL has been making a pivot to content creation. That said, it’s always a possibility.

Stay tuned for more Counter-Strike esports and in-game news.