KSI Announces Departure from Sidemen After 13 Years

Social media star and Britain’s Got Talent judge KSI has announced that he is leaving the Sidemen after 13 years, marking the end of one of the most successful partnerships in YouTube history.

KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, revealed the decision in an emotional video posted on YouTube, saying it had been one of the most difficult choices of his career.

“This is honestly the hardest video I’ve ever had to make in my life,” he told fans.

“I’ve gone back and forth on this decision for a very long time. I’ve spent months trying to figure out what the right thing to do is.

“But after a lot of thought, I’ve decided that I will no longer be doing Sidemen videos. Today, 31 May, will be my final Sidemen video.”

KSI has been a member of the Sidemen since 2013, helping transform the group from a collection of friends making gaming videos into one of the world’s biggest online entertainment brands. The collective’s main YouTube channel has amassed more than 23 million subscribers, while its members have a combined audience of more than 140 million subscribers across their platforms.

Reflecting on the group’s early years, KSI said he never imagined the scale of success they would achieve.

“We built something that none of us ever thought was possible, especially back then when we were making random videos together and playing GTA,” he said.

The content creator stressed that his departure was not linked to any disagreement within the group.

“Nothing bad has happened. This decision is completely my own,” he explained.

KSI said increasing commitments outside the Sidemen had made it difficult to continue giving the group his full attention.

“Over the last few years, I’ve felt myself being pulled in a lot of directions more than ever before. Between everything else in my life, I feel like I’ve been running at full speed, at 100mph.”

He also thanked fellow Sidemen members Simon Minter, Josh Bradley, Vikram Barn, Tobi Brown, Ethan Payne and Harry Lewis, saying they deserved someone who could commit fully to the group’s activities.

In a statement posted on social media, the Sidemen said they were saddened by the news and admitted the decision had come unexpectedly.

“We had an amazing time on this journey with him and we wish him all the best with his future endeavours,” the group said.

“This came as a surprise to us and we know it will be an adjustment for you, but we’ve got lots of exciting stuff planned that we can’t wait to share.”

Since its formation, the Sidemen have become one of the most influential creator groups on the internet. Their videos, ranging from travel challenges and comedy content to dating shows and charity football matches, have attracted hundreds of millions of views worldwide.

The group has also expanded into business ventures including food, clothing and beverage brands, while their annual charity football events have raised millions of pounds for charitable causes.