KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, has officially announced that he is leaving the Sidemen, the British YouTube collective he helped build into a global phenomenon. The announcement came in a video titled "I'm leaving the Sidemen," posted to his personal YouTube channel on May 31, 2026, hours after he appeared as a judge on the Britain's Got Talent finale. His representatives confirmed the news to the BBC and the Press Association, quickly dispelling fan speculation that it might be a publicity stunt.
In the video, KSI described the decision as "the hardest video I've ever had to make in my life." He explained that he had gone back and forth on the choice for months, trying to determine the right path forward. "After a lot of thought, I've decided that I will no longer be doing Sidemen videos. Today, 31st of May, will be my final Sidemen video. Even saying those words out loud doesn't feel real," he said. He described the group as "a second family" and acknowledged that balancing the Sidemen alongside his expanding individual commitments had become increasingly difficult.
The 32-year-old emphasized that no drama or conflict led to his departure. He said he had been pulled "in a lot of different directions" over the last few years to the point where he lost balance, finding it hard to make time for his family and loved ones. He then gave individual shoutouts to each of the remaining Sidemen members—Simon Minter (Miniminter), Vikram Barn (Vikkstar123), Ethan Payne (Behzinga), Harry Lewis (W2S), Tobit Brown (TBJZL), and Joshua Bradley (Zerkaa)—sharing personal memories and warm encouragements.
Who Is KSI: Background and Career
KSI first appeared on YouTube in 2009, uploading FIFA commentary videos from his bedroom in Watford, England. His energetic style and gaming expertise quickly earned him a loyal following. In 2013, he joined forces with six other British YouTubers to form the Sidemen, a collective that would go on to become one of the most influential digital groups in the world. The Sidemen's main YouTube channel currently boasts over 23 million subscribers, while their network of channels including MoreSidemen, SidemenReacts, and SidemenShorts has amassed a combined audience of tens of millions.
KSI's personal reach is even larger. His channels—KSI, JJ Olatunji, and KSIClips—total more than 44 million subscribers. But his career extends far beyond YouTube. In music, his album Dissimulation reached number two on the UK charts in 2020, and he has collaborated with artists such as Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, and Anne-Marie. He also ventured into professional boxing, participating in high-profile exhibition and professional fights, most notably against Logan Paul (which ended in a draw) and Tommy Fury, whom he lost to by unanimous decision in 2023. Earlier in 2026, he announced his retirement from boxing.
Television has also come calling: KSI served as a judge on Britain's Got Talent for its 2025 and 2026 seasons, bringing his generation Z appeal to a mainstream audience. He has also been involved in various streaming projects, podcast appearances, and live events.
KSI's Net Worth and Business Empire
Forbes ranked KSI as the second-highest-earning creator in 2023, with annual earnings of $24 million. His fortune is built on a diverse portfolio of business ventures. The most significant is his stake in Prime Hydration, the sports drink he co-founded with fellow YouTuber Logan Paul in 2022. According to Bloomberg, Prime's sales skyrocketed from $250 million in 2022 to $1.2 billion the following year, though UK sales dropped by nearly 50% in 2024 amid shifting trends and increased competition. Despite the slowdown, Prime remains a major brand, especially among young consumers.
Other ventures include XIX Vodka, a premium spirits brand, and Sidemen Clothing, the group's apparel line. In 2023, KSI co-launched LUNCHLY, a snack pack brand alongside MrBeast and Logan Paul, though the product faced backlash over health claims and reports of mold contamination in 2024. He also co-founded Misfits Boxing, a promotion that has hosted several high-profile influencer boxing events. Additionally, he holds a shareholder and strategic partner role at Dagenham and Redbridge Football Club, a National League team. In 2021, KSI was named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 Europe list in Entertainment.
What KSI's Departure Means for the Sidemen
The Sidemen were formed in 2013 as a collective of seven British YouTubers who produced a variety of content, including football challenges, comedy sketches, gaming videos, and vlogs. Over the years, they have grown into one of the UK's largest content networks, organizing annual charity football matches that attract tens of thousands of spectators and millions of online viewers. Their 2024 charity match was held at West Ham United's London Stadium, highlighting their massive popularity. In 2024, the group teased a Netflix show, marking their most significant step into mainstream entertainment.
KSI has always been the most globally recognizable face of the Sidemen. His departure represents the group's most significant personnel change since their formation. As of publication, the remaining six members have not formally addressed whether they will continue under the Sidemen name, or what structural changes may be implemented. Some fans speculate that the group might rebrand or bring in new members, while others believe the Sidemen will simply continue with reduced activity. KSI himself left the door open for occasional appearances, saying he will always cherish the group and may still appear in future Sidemen videos on a case-by-case basis.
The impact on the Sidemen's content and audience remains to be seen. The collective has built a loyal fanbase that might continue to support the remaining members, but KSI's absence will undoubtedly be felt. His larger-than-life personality and business acumen were key drivers of the group's success. Without him, the Sidemen will need to redefine their identity and perhaps rely more heavily on their other strengths, such as their charity work and the individual brands of the remaining members.
Meanwhile, KSI's solo career is likely to intensify. With his departure from the Sidemen, he can devote more time to his music, business ventures, and potential new television or film projects. He has hinted at a new album and further expansion of his Vodka brand. His retirement from boxing also frees up time for other pursuits. The coming years will reveal whether this decision propels him to even greater heights or if the loss of the Sidemen's collective support will temper his influence.
Regardless of what comes next, KSI's legacy as a pioneer of digital entertainment is secure. From posting FIFA videos in his bedroom to becoming a Forbes-listed entrepreneur and a mainstream television personality, his journey has been remarkable. His departure from the Sidemen marks the end of an era and the start of a new chapter—for both him and the group that helped launch his career.
Source: Forbes News