jL joins MOUZ on loan for PGL Astana

Justinas “jL” Lekavicius will make his return to tier-one play at PGL Astana after almost 10 months out of top-level competition. The Lithuanian rifler is on loan from NAVI and will play two events with MOUZ, beginning in Astana and continuing at the upcoming CAC event.

Lekavicius said the opportunity came sooner than he expected. He kept a high practice volume while away from official tournaments and does not view a brief stand-in appearance for another team at a lower-tier event as a full return. “I wasn’t even thinking about returning now… But I’m ready regardless; it is a good chance to feel myself out,” he said.

He has taken part in intensive practice with MOUZ and reported feeling integrated with the squad. He praised the team’s communication and described their CT structure as strong, highlighting frequent mid-round activity and clear roles. Lekavicius singled out Dorian “xertioN” Berman for fast, precise in-game leadership and pointed to an IGL style that gives direct, actionable instructions.

On tactical duties, Lekavicius will resume an aggressive lurk role on T side and keep most of his CT responsibilities, accepting some minor positional adjustments to fit the lineup. He complimented young Adrian “xelex” Vincze as a sharp shooter willing to learn and described Lotan “Spinx” Shapira as a reliable, more passive presence compared with his own playstyle.

The loan is limited but purposeful. Lekavicius framed two events as enough time to assess the fit between player and team and to generate live-match data for NAVI and potential suitors. He emphasized priorities that include decision-making, clear communication and team wins rather than individual statistics. “Two tournaments is enough to prove yourself,” he said, adding that he will sometimes sacrifice his personal scoreboard for round wins.

MOUZ arrives in Astana after several deep playoff runs that did not produce titles and a recent dip in results. Lekavicius described the locker-room atmosphere as positive and said he hopes his stage presence and confidence can help teammates perform in arena matches. He spoke about confidence as contagious and said enjoying arena play can improve performance under pressure.

Lekavicius also expressed a desire to change how some fans view MOUZ by increasing players’ visibility offstage. He said priority remains improving in-game performance, but when time allows he intends to produce content that shows teammates as people, not just competitors. He noted some community criticism of MOUZ for lacking an “aura” and called that reaction unwarranted.

On the event field, Lekavicius called Astana winnable while conceding the odds are narrow. He mentioned several changed or improving teams in the draw, including Falcons with karrigan and a reinvigorated Spirit, and noted the absence of one top contender from both events. MOUZ’s immediate aim, he said, is to deliver quality matches and reach the playoffs.

The short loan lets NAVI evaluate Lekavicius in live competition and gives MOUZ an extra source of firepower and arena experience. If the trial succeeds, the arrangement could continue beyond the two events; if not, the performances will form part of the player’s competitive record. For now, Lekavicius’ stated goal is to settle back into tier-one play, help MOUZ perform on stage and show what he can do under tournament conditions.