KSI is an English figure prominent in social media, boxing, and music.
He serves as the CEO of Misfits Boxing and holds co-ownership positions in Prime Hydration, XIX Vodka, Sidemen Clothing, the restaurant chain Sides, and the cereal brand Best Breakfasts.
Early life
Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, born on June 19, 1993, in London and raised in Watford, Hertfordshire, hails from the Yoruba ethnic group. His father, Olajide Olatunji, was born in Ibadan, Nigeria, while his mother, Olayinka Olatunji (née Atinuke), is from Islington, London. KSI attended Berkhamsted School in Berkhamsted, where he crossed paths with his future collaborator and Sidemen member, Simon Minter.
His younger brother, Deji Olatunji, also known as ComedyShortsGamer, is a YouTuber and professional boxer. The siblings held the top two spots respectively as the “UK’s Most Influential YouTube Creators” according to Tubular Labs in 2015.
Career
KSI launched his first YouTube account, “JideJunior,” in 2008 during his early teens. He later established his current account, “KSI Olajide BT,” on July 24, 2009, featuring gaming-commentary videos primarily focused on the FIFA video game series from his bedroom at his parents’ residence in Watford. The acronym “KSI” represents Knowledge Strength Integrity.
Opting out of sixth form college to pursue YouTube full-time, KSI’s decision was influenced by his increasing monthly earnings from his uploads, surpassing his teacher’s income. Despite initial disapproval from his parents, they eventually became supportive and even featured in some of his videos.
Expanding beyond gaming content, KSI diversified his uploads to include vlogs and various games, achieving a milestone of one million subscribers in 2012.
However, his ascent to stardom wasn’t without controversies, including criticism for a recurring ‘rape-face’ joke on his channel and allegations of sexual harassment at a Eurogamer event in 2012, resulting in repercussions from Microsoft and a ban from Eurogamer events.
Joining Maker Studios’ sub-network, Polaris, in October 2013, KSI became a member of the renowned British YouTube group, the Sidemen, known for producing diverse online content and merchandise.
In 2015, KSI published his biography, “KSI: I Am a Bellend,” followed by a tour to support the book’s release.
Amidst conflicts with fellow Sidemen member Ethan Payne, KSI announced his departure from the group in August 2017, later releasing diss track videos criticizing former group members. However, he later clarified that the drama surrounding his departure was neither entirely real nor entirely fake.
Recognized as one of the top UK influencers by The Sunday Times in 2019 and hailed as Britain’s biggest influencer by The Times in 2020, KSI’s success continued with Forbes ranking him as the second top creator of 2023, with an estimated earning of $24 million.
Music
From 2015 to 2016, KSI embarked on his music journey, initially crafting comedy-rap tracks for his YouTube audience. His debut single, “Lamborghini,” featuring P Money, dropped on March 23, 2015, peaking at number 30 on the UK Singles Chart. Following this, the title track of his first EP, “Keep Up,” featuring Jme, hit the scene on November 13, 2015, reaching number 45 on the UK Singles Chart. The full EP, released on January 8, 2016, under Island Records, debuted impressively at number 13 on the UK Albums Chart and claimed the top spot on the UK R&B Albums Chart.
Continuing his musical venture, KSI released “Goes Off,” featuring Mista Silva, on April 29, 2016, as the lead single from his second EP, “Jump Around.” This EP also featured “Friends with Benefits,” alongside MNDM, released on July 29, 2016, reaching number 69 on the UK Singles Chart. Additionally, the track “Touch Down,” featuring Stefflon Don, made its way onto the soundtrack of the 2017 film “Baywatch.”
Transitioning into 2019, KSI made significant strides by signing with RBC Records and BMG to elevate his musical career globally. His debut studio album, “Dissimulation,” arrived on May 22, 2020, marking a remarkable entry into the music scene. The album secured the second spot on the UK Albums Chart and made waves across 15 other countries. Notably, singles like “Down Like That,” featuring Rick Ross, Lil Baby, and S-X, and “Lighter,” with Nathan Dawe, achieved considerable success, with the latter earning platinum certification from the BPI.
Building on his success, KSI continued to dominate the music scene with his second album, “All Over the Place,” released on July 16, 2021, under his label “The Online Takeover.” The album soared to number one on the UK Album Charts, marking a significant milestone in his career. Singles like “Really Love,” featuring Craig David and Digital Farm Animals, and “Don’t Play,” featuring Anne-Marie and Digital Farm Animals, further solidified his position as a formidable musical force.
In 2022, KSI continued to expand his musical horizons, collaborating with artists like S-X on “Locked Out” and signing Yxng Dave to “The Online Takeover.” His signing with Atlantic Records and Warner Music UK further propelled his trajectory in the music industry. Notably, singles like “Not Over Yet,” featuring Tom Grennan, and “Summer Is Over” showcased his versatility and continued growth as an artist, setting the stage for more groundbreaking releases in the future.
Boxing
The initial clash between KSI and British YouTuber Joe Weller ignited in late 2017, escalating through public disputes on Twitter and diss-tracks exchanged between them. Ultimately, they announced an amateur boxing match to settle their feud, held on February 3, 2018, at Copper Box Arena in London. During the announcement, tensions flared as KSI ridiculed Weller for his struggles with depression and use of antidepressants, for which he later expressed remorse.
The bout concluded with KSI emerging victorious 1 minute and 37 seconds into the third round via technical knockout. Despite the rivalry, KSI commended Weller for his resilience and dedication to mental health awareness. Following this triumph, KSI promptly challenged American YouTuber Logan Paul, his brother Jake Paul, and retired footballer Rio Ferdinand.
Subsequently, KSI and Logan Paul engaged in two highly anticipated bouts. The first, on February 24, 2018, resulted in a majority draw, while the rematch on November 9, 2019, at Staples Center in Los Angeles, saw KSI clinch victory via split decision in a professional fight without headgear.
After a hiatus, KSI returned to the ring in a headline match against Alex Wassabi, later replaced by Swarmz, and then Luis Alcaraz Pineda on August 27, 2022, marking the inaugural event under KSI’s Misfits Boxing promotion. Following these triumphs, KSI faced off against FaZe Temperrr and businessman Joe Fournier, the latter ending in a no-contest due to controversy surrounding an illegal strike.
On October 14, 2023, KSI took on Tommy Fury in a highly anticipated match at Manchester Arena, generating significant pay-per-view buys. Despite disputing the outcome, with many supporting his claim of victory, KSI’s appeal to the Professional Boxing Association was rejected on December 1, 2023, marking the latest chapter in his boxing journey.
Acting
In 2016, KSI ventured into acting, starring alongside Caspar Lee in the British direct-to-video comedy film “Laid in America.” The film, directed by Sam Milman and Peter Vass, received mixed reviews, with Jason Best of Movie Talk rating it poorly for its crass and witless humor.
Continuing his foray into film, KSI released the documentary “KSI: Can’t Lose” in 2018. Produced by Callux’s film studio After Party Studios and distributed by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, the documentary provides a behind-the-scenes look at KSI’s journey to becoming the YouTube champion of the world following his boxing debut against Joe Weller.
KSI also made a cameo appearance in the Amazon Original sports docuseries “All or Nothing: Arsenal,” which followed the club throughout their 2021–22 season, showcasing the team’s dynamics both on and off the field.
In 2023, KSI collaborated with Amazon Prime Video and Louis Theroux to produce the documentary “KSI: In Real Life,” delving into KSI’s life and career, offering insight into his rise as a premium online content creator and his venture into the music industry.
In the realm of video games, KSI partnered with Endemol Shine Group in 2016 to publish “KSI Unleashed,” a mobile game available on iOS and Android platforms. Additionally, in 2018, he participated in promotional efforts for EA Sports UFC 3, training alongside former UFC middleweight world champion Michael Bisping.
Business
In January 2022, KSI and Logan Paul announced the launch of Prime, a beverage company specializing in sports drinks, drink mixes, and energy drinks. Marketed under Prime Hydration, LLC, Prime offers a range of products tailored for active lifestyles.
KSI’s involvement with WWE began on April 1, 2023, when he made a notable appearance at WrestleMania 39. During the match between Logan Paul and Seth “Freakin” Rollins, KSI accompanied Paul to the ring wearing a Prime bottle costume. He intervened in the match, but was swiftly countered by Rollins, who executed a frog splash on KSI after a quick switch with Paul.
On March 8, 2024, KSI returned to WWE on SmackDown alongside Paul to celebrate Prime’s partnership with the organization. However, their celebration was cut short by Randy Orton, who delivered an unexpected RKO to KSI, disrupting the festivities.
Personal life
KSI’s support for Arsenal F.C. is well-known, showcasing his passion for the football club. Additionally, in a “Googling Myself” video, he disclosed that he identifies as agnostic, reflecting his stance on religious beliefs.
However, KSI has faced criticism for his use of offensive language and misgendering individuals. In March 2021, he apologized after using a transphobic slur in a Sidemen video, acknowledging his lack of awareness regarding its offensiveness. Similarly, in April 2023, he faced backlash for using a racial slur in another Sidemen video, prompting him to issue a public apology on Twitter and take a hiatus from social media. He further demonstrated his commitment to learning and understanding by visiting the Al-Hikam Institute, a mosque in Bradford, to educate himself and apologize for any hurt he may have caused.
Net Worth
Estimated to be over 4.5 million dollars