Why did KSI leave the Sidemen? In a video published on May 31, 2026, KSI said he had decided to stop appearing in Sidemen videos after roughly 13 years with the group. He described it as a difficult personal decision made after months of thought. He did not announce a feud with the other members. This is an explanation of that May announcement, not a new departure in September.
What did KSI say about leaving?
In his original “I’m leaving the Sidemen” video, KSI said May 31 would be his final Sidemen video. He recalled the group’s beginnings in 2013, their work together and the friendships he had built with the other members. The Guardian’s contemporaneous report confirmed the announcement and described his tribute to the group.
The decision concerns his participation in Sidemen videos. The announcement by itself does not explain the legal details of any business holdings or establish that his friendships ended. Those are separate questions, and claims about them need separate evidence.
Was there a dispute with the Sidemen?
KSI did not present the exit as a public falling-out. In reporting published immediately after the announcement, Norwegian newspaper VG reported that he said nothing bad had happened between him and the other six creators, and that the decision was his own. Fans may read more into a major change, but the public explanation should not be replaced with speculation about private relationships.
Who remains in the group?
The other six Sidemen are Simon “Miniminter” Minter, Joshua “Zerkaa” Bradley, Vikram “Vikkstar123” Barn, Tobit “TBJZL” Brown, Ethan “Behzinga” Payne and Harry “W2S” Lewis. The group built an audience around football, comedy and challenge videos, and expanded into live events and businesses. KSI’s decision changes the familiar lineup viewers saw for years, but it does not mean the Sidemen channel itself has ended.
Watch KSI’s announcement
The video below is KSI’s original announcement. If the player does not load, watch it directly on his YouTube channel.
For another creator story grounded in a first-hand statement, read our explanation of why Markiplier opposes GoPro’s proposed merger.
Image note: The featured photograph shows KSI and Miniminter in 2018. It is an archival image, not a scene from the May 2026 announcement. Photo: FaZe Jasper / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0; no editorial changes.
