KSI reveals in ‘hardest video’ he’s ever had to make he is quitting Sidemen after 13 years
The YouTube star, musician, boxer and Britain’s Got Talent judge says he is stepping away from the online collective to focus on his health, family and personal life.
KSI is leaving the Sidemen after more than a decade.
Describing the decision as “painful” and admitting he needs to focus on his health, family and work-life balance,
the 32-year-old Britain’s Got Talent judge – real name Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji – revealed in a video released online he will no longer appear in Sidemen videos.
The YouTube star, musician, boxer and now reality show judge said the choice had taken months of consideration.
KSI said: “This is honestly the hardest video I’ve ever had to make in my life. 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'm no longer (going to) be doing sidemen videos. Today, 31st of May, will be my final Sidemen video. Even saying those words out loud doesn’t feel real.”
His departure marks the end of an era for the hugely successful online collective, which also includes Vikram Singh Barn, Joshua Bradley, Simon Minter, Tobi Brown, Harry Lewis and Ethan Payne.
Together, the group built one of YouTube’s biggest entertainment brands, attracting tens of millions of subscribers, selling out live events and becoming the subject of a Netflix documentary charting their rise to fame.
Reflecting on the group’s origins, KSI recalled the early years when the creators were uploading gaming videos and playing Grand Theft Auto without any expectation of becoming global internet stars.
He added: “The Sidemen have been such a huge part of my life for over 12 to 13 years. For almost half my life, this Sidemen has been my second family. We've grown up together. We've travelled the world together. We built something that none of us ever thought was possible, especially back then when we were making random videos together and playing GTA.
“I still remember those early days with no idea that tens of millions of people were going to be watching us on the channel. And somehow, that turned into an incredible journey.”
The Sidemen have expanded far beyond gaming content since launching in 2013, becoming one of the most influential creator groups in the world.
In 2024, the collective became the focus of a Netflix documentary examining their growth from amateur YouTubers to mainstream entertainment figures.
KSI’s departure comes during a particularly busy period in his career.
In addition to continuing his music career, which has included collaborations with Craig David and a string of chart successes, he has remained one of the most recognisable figures in crossover boxing following high-profile bouts against Logan Paul and Tommy Fury.
More recently, KSI joined the judging panel of Britain’s Got Talent full-time after previously appearing as a guest judge.
He sat alongside Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon on the latest series of the ITV talent competition, replacing Bruno Tonioli.
Addressing the reasons behind his decision to quit the Sidemen, KSI insisted there had been no falling out within the group.
He said “nothing bad has happened’ and declared the decision was “completely my own”.
KSI added: “Over the last few years, I’ve felt myself being pulled in a lot of directions than ever before. Between everything else in my life, I feel like I’ve been running at full speed at 100mph.”
He added: “I’ve spent so long trying to be everything for everyone. Trying to be everywhere. Trying to do it all. Trying not to let anyone down.
“But somewhere along the way, I started losing the balance in my own life. I’ve found it hard to make enough time for myself. I’ve definitely found it hard to find time for my family. I’ve found it hard to make time for the people I love. And I've realised that something has to change.”
Thanking his fellow Sidemen members and the team behind the scenes, KSI went on: “Thank you all for the memories. Thank you boys for the friendship. And to all of you watching, thank you.
“Thanks for giving the group a career beyond our wildest dreams. I hope you’ll continue supporting the boys because they deserve it.”
He added: “But for now, I need to focus on myself, and I need to focus on fixing my work life balance, just so I can finally focus on my health, and finally make time to see my family and make time to see my partner.”
