KSI Quits the Sidemen After 13 Years in Emotional Goodbye: ‘This Was the Hardest Video I’ve Ever Had to Make’

In a move that has sent shockwaves across the internet, KSI — one of YouTube’s biggest stars — has officially announced his departure from the Sidemen, the iconic British YouTube group he helped build from the ground up back in 2013. The announcement came via an emotional video that the star, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, described as “the hardest video I’ve had to make.”

For millions of fans around the world, this news hits differently. The Sidemen aren’t just a YouTube group — they’re a cultural institution. And KSI leaving after 13 years feels like the end of an era that shaped an entire generation of online entertainment.

Who Are the Sidemen and Why Does This Matter?

If you’re somehow unfamiliar, the Sidemen are a group of British YouTubers who came together in 2013 and became one of the most successful content creator collectives in internet history. The group includes household names like KSI, Miniminter, Vikkstar123, TBJZL, Behzinga, Zerkaa, and W2S. Together, they’ve amassed hundreds of millions of subscribers and billions of views across their individual and collective channels.

Their content — ranging from football challenges and FIFA videos to elaborate real-world games and massive charity matches — has defined what group YouTube content looks like. The Sidemen vs YouTube All-Stars charity football matches alone have drawn sold-out stadiums and millions of live viewers. This group isn’t just popular. They’re legendary.

So when KSI, arguably the most globally recognized face of the group, says he’s walking away, the internet has every reason to stop and pay attention.

KSI’s Emotional Announcement

In the video, KSI was visibly emotional as he explained his decision to step away from the group. He made it clear this wasn’t a decision he took lightly, describing it as one of the most difficult things he’s ever had to do publicly. Fans watching the video noted that the usually confident and boisterous star appeared genuinely torn and reflective throughout.

KSI acknowledged the incredible journey the Sidemen had been on together — the highs, the lows, the controversies, and the triumphs. He spoke about how much the group had meant to him personally and professionally over the past 13 years. But he also made it clear that he felt it was time to move forward on his own path.

The announcement quickly went viral, trending across Twitter/X, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram within hours. Fans flooded social media with reactions ranging from heartbreak to support, and fellow creators from across the internet chimed in with their thoughts.

From Bedroom YouTube to Global Superstar

To understand why this departure feels so significant, you have to understand KSI’s journey. He started making YouTube videos as a teenager, initially focused on FIFA gaming content. His raw energy, humor, and willingness to be completely himself resonated with a generation of young viewers who were looking for something different from traditional media.

Over the years, KSI evolved far beyond YouTube. He ventured into music and surprised virtually everyone by becoming a legitimate chart-topping artist. His tracks have hit the UK Top 10, and he’s collaborated with major names in the music industry. He’s also carved out a serious career in boxing, having fought — and defeated — some notable opponents in high-profile bouts that drew massive pay-per-view audiences.

He co-founded Prime Hydration alongside fellow creator Logan Paul, which became one of the fastest-growing sports drink brands in history, landing deals with major sports organizations and retailers worldwide. KSI, in short, has become a genuine multi-platform mogul. And perhaps that’s exactly why this moment was always coming.

What Led to This Decision?

While KSI didn’t go into exhaustive detail about the specific reasons behind his departure, the broader context tells a story. Over the past few years, it’s been clear that KSI’s career has expanded far beyond what the Sidemen collective can contain. His music, his boxing career, his business ventures — all of these have increasingly demanded his full attention.

There’s also been speculation over the years about tensions within the group, as is natural with any long-running creative collective. The Sidemen themselves have had their share of public disputes in the past, including a well-documented falling out in 2017 that temporarily fractured the group before they reconciled. This time, however, KSI’s departure appears more permanent and more about personal growth than any specific conflict.

It’s worth noting that KSI’s individual YouTube channel and his broader brand have long since outgrown the Sidemen umbrella in many respects. With tens of millions of subscribers and a fanbase that spans every continent, KSI has become something bigger than any single group — and stepping out on his own seems like the natural next chapter.

Fan Reactions: Heartbreak, Support, and Everything In Between

The internet, predictably, erupted. Within hours of the video going live, #KSI and #Sidemen were trending globally. Fans who had grown up watching both KSI and the Sidemen expressed genuine grief over the news, with many sharing their favorite memories and moments from over the years.

Some fans were supportive, celebrating KSI’s decision as a brave and honest move. Others were heartbroken, arguing that the Sidemen simply won’t be the same without their most prominent member. A few were skeptical, wondering whether this might be a temporary split — similar to 2017 — or whether this time it’s truly the end of an era.

Fellow creators and celebrities also weighed in across social media. Many praised KSI for his honesty and vulnerability in making the announcement the way he did, rather than quietly fading away or making a cold, corporate-style statement.

What’s Next for KSI?

If his track record is anything to go by, KSI is not slowing down. If anything, leaving the Sidemen likely signals a new phase of ambition for Olajide Olatunji. He’s already hinted at more music, more boxing, and continued expansion of his business empire. Prime Hydration continues to grow aggressively in markets across the USA, UK, Australia, and beyond.

There’s also the question of what his solo YouTube content will look like without the Sidemen framework. KSI has always been at his best when he’s pushing boundaries and trying new things — so fans can reasonably expect some exciting, unexpected moves in the months ahead.

And while the Sidemen will continue without him — the remaining members have made clear they intend to carry on — the group’s dynamic will inevitably shift. Replacing KSI’s energy, reach, and star power is simply not possible. The remaining members are all talented creators in their own right, but there’s no denying that the group’s global profile is intrinsically tied to KSI’s name.

The End of an Era — Or the Start of Something Bigger?

Thirteen years is a long time in any industry, but in the world of YouTube and social media, it’s practically a lifetime. The Sidemen grew up on camera, made mistakes on camera, achieved incredible things on camera, and built something that millions of people genuinely love. KSI was at the center of all of it.

His departure marks the close of a specific chapter — not just for him, but for an entire generation of fans who grew up alongside him. But knowing KSI, this ending is almost certainly the beginning of something even bigger. He’s never been someone who stands still, and there’s every reason to believe his most impactful work is still ahead of him.

Whatever comes next, one thing is certain: the internet will be watching closely. KSI built his career on keeping people hooked, and even in leaving the Sidemen, he’s managed to do exactly that.

What Do You Think?

Are you shocked by KSI’s decision to leave the Sidemen, or did this feel inevitable given how massive his solo career has become? Do you think the Sidemen can thrive without him, or is this the beginning of the end for the group? Drop your thoughts in the comments — we want to hear from fans across the globe on this one.

This article is for informational purposes only.