Summary (tl;dr)

Popular British YouTuber and media personality KSI has announced his departure from "The Sidemen," the influential YouTube collective he co-founded 13 years ago, citing a need to prioritize his personal life and work-life balance.

Essential Background

KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, rose to prominence as a founding member of The Sidemen in 2013, a British YouTube group known for its diverse content including comedy, gaming, and challenges. Over the years, the collective expanded into numerous successful business ventures, while KSI also carved out a significant solo career in music, professional boxing, and recently became a permanent judge on the British television show "Britain's Got Talent" in 2026.

The Full Story

On May 31, 2026, KSI posted an emotional video on his YouTube channel titled "I'm leaving the Sidemen," confirming his exit from the group. This announcement came just one day after the 2026 "Britain's Got Talent" final, where he served as a judge. KSI described the decision as "painful" and "the hardest video I've ever had to make," explaining that he felt "pulled in a lot of directions" by his various commitments and needed to focus on his health, family, and achieving a better work-life balance. The remaining members of The Sidemen issued a statement expressing their sadness over his departure but wished him well, indicating that the group will continue to create content.

Why It Matters

KSI's departure marks a significant moment for the immensely popular British YouTube collective, as he has been a central and globally recognized figure in The Sidemen for over a decade. His decision highlights the evolving careers of major online creators, who often balance multiple ventures, including mainstream entertainment roles, while also grappling with the pressures of maintaining personal well-being. This move could potentially reshape the content and dynamics of The Sidemen and will be closely watched by millions of fans worldwide.

Geographic Location

• Virtual/Online (KSI's YouTube channel, where he announced his departure)
• United Kingdom (The Sidemen are a British YouTube collective and KSI is a judge on Britain's Got Talent)