KSI, also known as KSIOlajidebt, is a British YouTube personality, video game commentator, rapper, and comedian. His net worth stands at an impressive $100 million. KSI ranks among the highest-paid internet celebrities globally. Between September 2022 and September 2023, his earnings amounted to $25 million. He has three YouTube channels: “KSI,” “JJ Olatunji,” and “KSIClips,” which collectively have over 8.6 billion views. His main channel alone boasts 24.1 million subscribers. KSI was also once a member of the YouTube group Sidemen, which manages multiple channels like “Sidemen,” “MoreSidemen,” and “SidemenReacts.”
The name KSIOlajidebt comes from the gaming community term “KSI,” his real name Olajide, and BT, which stands for British Telecom. KSI initially gained popularity by playing FIFA games and commentating on them. He even collaborated with Arsenal and England midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in FIFA gameplay. KSI’s venture into music began with his 2015 single “Lamborghini,” which reached #7 on the UK R&B chart. In 2020, he released his debut album Dissimulation, followed by All Over the Place in 2021. He also published the book KSI: I Am a Bellend in 2015.
The KSI-Logan Paul Rivalry and Boxing Matches
KSI’s public feud with Logan Paul is one of the most talked-about stories in recent years. Their first boxing match, promoted as “the biggest internet event in history,” took place on August 25, 2018. The fight ended in a draw, and the two faced off again in a rematch on November 9, 2019, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The first match attracted 2.25 million live viewers, with 1 million people purchasing it via pay-per-view, generating around $13 million in revenue. It is estimated that both KSI and Logan Paul earned approximately $2 million each from the fight, including merchandise sales.
The second fight, broadcast by DAZN USA, guaranteed both fighters a minimum of $900,000. They likely earned upwards of $3 million each, with additional revenue from pay-per-view and sponsorships. KSI had previously fought Joe Weller, another YouTuber with whom he had a feud, winning the fight with a third-round technical knockout. This match garnered 21 million views within 24 hours.
Prime Energy Drink and KSI’s Business Ventures
In addition to his social media and music career, KSI has ventured into the business world. One of his most notable collaborations is with Logan Paul in the promotion of the energy drink brand “Prime.” Launched in January 2022, Prime has made waves in the market. While KSI and Logan are not the sole owners, they hold equity in the brand. Reports suggest that they each own 20% of the company, though this has not been officially confirmed.
With Prime’s impressive revenue—reported to be $565 million in 2023—it’s estimated that the brand’s total value is around $3 billion. If KSI and Logan each own 20%, their stakes could be worth approximately $600 million. Prime has become a significant business venture, with high-profile endorsers like NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes and soccer star Erling Haaland.
KSI’s Early Life and Family Background
Born Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji on June 19, 1993, in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, KSI comes from a family with Nigerian roots on his father’s side and London roots on his mother’s side. His younger brother, Deji, is also a popular YouTuber. In 2015, KSI was ranked the UK’s most influential YouTube creator by Tubular Labs, with Deji taking second place. KSI attended Berkhamsted School, where he met Simon Minter, who would later become a member of the Sidemen group.
KSI’s family dynamics were sometimes strained, especially when his brother Deji released a video exposing KSI’s personal bank records. KSI was upset by the breach of privacy and expressed disappointment publicly. Despite occasional conflicts, KSI and Deji continue to have a significant online presence.
KSI’s Rise on YouTube
KSI’s journey into YouTube stardom began in 2008 when he launched his first channel under the name “JideJunior.” However, it was the creation of the “KSIOlajideBT” account in 2009 that propelled him to greater success. He gained attention through his FIFA gaming commentary, eventually earning enough income to drop out of sixth-form college. KSI’s YouTube content evolved over time, including vlog-style videos and gameplay commentary on a variety of games.
In 2013, he signed with Polaris, a sub-network of Maker Studios, and joined the Sidemen group, which produced collaborative content. KSI later left the Sidemen in 2017 and released diss tracks targeting his former group members, marking a period of tension within the YouTube community.
KSI’s Music Career and Success
KSI’s musical endeavors have further contributed to his wealth and fame. His debut album Dissimulation was released in May 2020 and topped the Irish Albums Chart and reached #2 on the UK Albums Chart. The album featured collaborations with artists like Rick Ross, Lil Baby, and Trippie Redd. In 2021, KSI released his follow-up album All Over the Place, which also topped the UK Albums Chart. Both albums were well-received, with multiple singles achieving commercial success.
In addition to his full-length albums, KSI has released several EPs, including Keep Up (2016), Jump Around (2016), and Disstracktions (2017). His musical career has solidified his status as an entertainer and businessman.
KSI’s Philanthropy and Charity Work
KSI is known for his charitable efforts and involvement in various causes. He has participated in charity events like “Comic Relief,” “Stand Up To Cancer,” “Children in Need,” and “Sport Relief.” In 2015, KSI donated $10,000 to an online charity stream hosted by fellow YouTuber Castro1021. He also took part in a charity event for SpecialEffect, a UK-based charity helping people with physical disabilities enjoy video games.
Throughout 2016 to 2018, KSI and the Sidemen organized charity football events, raising nearly £400,000 for organizations like Childline and the Saint’s Foundation. In 2020, KSI contributed $60,000 to the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation and participated in several campaigns like “Help the Hungry” and “Food for London Now.”
KSI’s Controversies
Despite this controversy, KSI’s career continues to thrive, with various nominations and awards to his name. In 2016, he won a Diamond Creator Award at the YouTube Creator Awards and was named Vlogger of the Year by NME Awards. In 2020, he won an Amazon Music UK Award for Best Song and was nominated for a BRIT Award for Best British Single.
KSI’s Real Estate Holdings
KSI’s wealth is also reflected in his extensive real estate portfolio. He owns over ten properties across England, collectively valued at more than £10 million. In December 2021, he purchased a £10 million home in London, marking a significant investment in his personal assets.
Through his various ventures in entertainment, business, and charity, KSI has established himself as a global influencer and one of the most successful internet personalities of his generation.
