KSI, real name Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, is set to appear alongside his fellow Sidemen at Wembley Stadium this weekend, as they take to the field for their third annual charity football match
KSI, a member of the British YouTube supergroup The Sidemen, is set to entertain fans and raise millions more for charity at this weekend’s event.
The 31 year old, whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, started from humble beginnings when he launched his own YouTube channel in 2009. In those early days, his content mainly consisted of gaming videos, particularly FIFA, and reaction videos.
Despite dropping out of education to pursue what was then seen as an unconventional career path, he now stands as one of the most successful self-made influencers globally. His three personal YouTube channels: KSI, JJ Olatunji, and KSIClips, have collectively amassed over 44.7 million subscribers and 14.4 billion views.
Through his online video earnings, he has diversified into other sectors, building an impressive business portfolio. As a result of his hard work, KSI has accumulated a total net worth of $100m (£79.3m), according to Celebrity Net Worth.
His passions led him to become a BRIT award-winning rapper with a UK no. 1 album, ‘All Over the Place’, to his credit, reports Football London.
He also ventured into boxing, with his most notable fights being against fellow creator Logan Paul – twice – and British boxer Tommy Fury.
KSI’s entrepreneurial ventures resulted in the launch of his music label, ‘The Online Takeover’, and a partnership with Wasserman Boxing to establish his own boxing promotional company, ‘Misfits Boxing’.
He is also known for co-founding the popular drink company ‘Prime’ with former rival Paul, as well as ‘Lunchly’, a children’s lunch kit business initiated in collaboration with YouTuber Mr Beast and his ‘Feastables’ brand.
In an interview with Men’s Health, KSI disclosed owning 10 UK homes at the time, valued at a reported £8m, adding to his already substantial wealth.
Currently, KSI has made his mainstream television debut as a guest judge on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent auditions, airing weekly.
“I’m so excited to be a guest judge for BGT,” he said. “When I got the call up, I couldn’t believe it. I remember watching old BGT episodes and going from being amazed to laughing my [expletive] off. I’m buzzing to see all the fresh new talent, and I’ll be sure to leave a mark.”
KSI’s association with fellow online personalities, The Sidemen, including Vikkstar123, Simon Minter, Zerkaa, TBJZL, Behzinga and W2S, makes him an even more formidable force.
As members of this group, they hold equal shares in all joint ventures.The group is known for creating content for their three channels: Sidemen, MoreSidemen and SidemenReacts, which collectively boast 36.8 million subscribers and 15 billion views. In addition to this, they have launched their own subscription-based service, Side+.
They have also reinvested in various ventures such as the ‘Sidemen Clothing’ apparel brand, ‘Sides’ restaurant chain, ‘XIX Vodka’ brand and a collaborative cereal brand with Mornflake called ‘Best Cereal’.
Several members of the group are expected to participate in the inaugural Baller League, details of which remain scant, but football legends Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Luis Figo are among those who have confirmed their involvement.
In their latest philanthropic endeavour, KSI and The Sidemen aim to raise funds for Brightside and BBC Children in Need through a charity match at Wembley Stadium this weekend.
