KSI leaves Sidemen — here's what's next for the YouTuber

Khizar Mundia Published 02/06/2026

Sidemen is one of the most popular content collectives in the world, but the YouTube organization is losing one of its most prominent members, with Olajide “KSI” Olayinka Williams Olatunji leaving the group.

Sidemen started off as a group of friends who created content and ended up expanding into mainstream media, such as Netflix and YouTube Premium. The organization didn’t just gain massive fame; it set a standard where every single member stayed with the group and no new ones joined. This is now set to change, as the most well-known member of Sidemen, KSI, has announced his departure from the content organization.

KSI announces departure from Sidemen in YouTube video

After more than a decade with the YouTube collective, KSI announced in an emotional YouTube video that he has decided to stop doing Sidemen videos. He stated that he didn’t take the decision lightly, and thought about it for “a very long time”. The Britain’s Got Talent judge reminisced about how the group started small and didn’t have any idea that they would get millions of followers. He stated that the group was a family that was always there for each other, and expressed his gratefulness for the journey they had been on.

Sidemen’s X post. Image credit: Sidemen

KSI explained the reason behind his departure from Sidemen, explaining that he was juggling an increased workload with his family, and his personal life was suffering. The YouTuber said he wants to focus on himself and make time for his family and partner. He also said that Sidemen and the audience deserve someone who can “give 100%”. While KSI is no longer part of Sidemen, that doesn’t mean he will vanish; in fact, the Brit has never had a higher public profile.

KSI may be leaving Sidemen, but he won’t disappear from the limelight

The YouTuber instead wants to prioritise his other initiatives, which include his role as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent, his football leadership roles, and entrepreneurial ventures.

KSI came into public life with YouTube but gained fame while creating content individually. This is why many fans feel he was the main member in Sidemen. Regardless of this debate, KSI has expanded substantially since then. This is why many fans aren’t surprised that the YouTuber wants to scale back from YouTube content and focus on mainstream media.

KSI’s Britain’s Got Talent role is arguably something that gave him more exposure in the mainstream UK scene compared to all his previous ventures. He is also leading Baller League UK and has stakes in many businesses including Prime Hydration, Misfits Boxing, and more. This explains why the YouTuber stated that he can’t keep up and is leaving Sidemen.

However, KSI also hasn’t said that he will never return to Sidemen. The YouTuber publicly announced in 2017 that he had left Sidemen, which started the Sidemen War era, with members creating diss tracks. KSI later returned to the collective, starting to create content again. So, it isn’t too much to speculate that KSI may be seen as a guest in a Sidemen charity match in the future as this new era takes shape.

Feature image credit: KSI

Khizar Mundia

About Khizar Mundia

Khizar Mundia has been playing video games for as long as he can recall. Things have come a long way since the many days he spent playing the original NES, though. He now covers a variety of competitive games and esports, as well as the world of streaming, ranging from Twitch to Kick. If it’s of interest to gamers, it’s of interest to Khizar.

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