In the often high-stakes and rapidly changing world of professional esports, personal bonds forged between teammates can be surprisingly strong. This sentiment was recently underscored by Igor “w0nderful” Zhdanov, the skilled sniper for Natus Vincere`s Counter-Strike 2 squad, who took a moment to publicly honor his now-former colleague, Justinas “jL” Lekavicius.
Following jL`s transition from the active NAVI roster to the reserve bench, w0nderful shared a heartfelt message reflecting on their two years playing together. His words went beyond a simple professional courtesy, revealing a deep camaraderie. According to w0nderful, their connection was instant, hitting “the same wave from day one,” quickly evolving into a genuine friendship where jL became his “best friend.”
Beyond the personal connection, w0nderful emphasized the positive impact jL had on his experience and growth within the team. “We won and lost together, but playing with you on the same team was always a true pleasure,” w0nderful wrote. He specifically credited jL for teaching him a great deal and consistently providing support. This strong foundation of teamwork and mutual respect culminated in w0nderful`s powerful statement: “I can confidently say you were the best teammate I`ve ever had in CS.”
This public declaration of appreciation arrives in the wake of jL`s decision to step back from competitive play, announced on July 8th. The Lithuanian rifler indicated he needed a break from the rigorous schedule, estimating a hiatus of around six months, though he left the door open for a potentially earlier return – perhaps after a well-deserved esports “vacation.”
W0nderful`s message concluded with expressions of how much he will miss playing alongside jL, wishing him ample rest and humorously anticipating jL`s future content creation endeavors on YouTube. The sentiment shared by w0nderful highlights that even as roster changes occur and players take necessary breaks, the personal friendships and professional respect built within a team can enduringly shape a player`s journey. The final line, a hopeful “See you on the server again, brother!”, encapsulates the mix of farewell and anticipation for future encounters in the competitive arena.
