Insight into KSI’s Net Worth
KSIOlajidebt, popularly known as KSI, boasts a net worth of $100 million. The English YouTube personality, video game commentator, comedian, and rapper ranks among the highest-paid internet figures globally. From September 2022 to September 2023, KSI earned $25 million. At present, he manages three YouTube channels: “KSI,” “JJ Olatunji,” and “KSIClips,” collectively amassing over 8.6 billion views. His primary channel has 24.1 million subscribers. Additionally, KSI was a former member of the YouTube collective, the Sidemen, who operate four channels: “Sidemen,” “MoreSidemen,” “SidemenReacts,” and “SidemenShorts.”
KSI derived his name from “KSI” in the gaming community, his real name Olajide, and British Telecom (BT). His content mainly focuses on playing and commentating on FIFA games, having played with notable figures like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. In his music career, KSI released the single “Lamborghini” featuring P Money in 2015, which charted at #7 on the UK R&B chart and #30 on the UK Singles Chart. Furthermore, he dropped studio albums like “Dissimulation” (2020) and “All Over the Place” (2021) and featured on tracks by BlacknWhite, Sway, and Yogi. KSI also authored the book “KSI: I Am a Bellend,” titled “I Am a Tool: How to Be a YouTube Kingpin and Dominate the Internet” in the U.S. in 2015.
A noteworthy rivalry in KSI’s career is with Logan Paul, culminating in a pay-per-view boxing match on August 25, 2018, significantly dubbed “the biggest internet event in history.” The initial match ended in a draw, leading to a rematch on November 9, 2019, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The first bout was viewed live by 2.25 million viewers, with an estimated 1.2 million watching through unauthorized Twitch streams. The fight garnered $13 million in revenue, with both fighters potentially earning around $2 million before deductions from various streams. For the second encounter, each fighter was guaranteed a minimum of $900,000, likely exceeding $3 million per person in total earnings. KSI also fought and defeated another YouTuber rival, Joe Weller, via technical knockout in the third round. The fight drew 1.6 million live viewers on YouTube and accumulated 21 million views within 24 hours.
Prime Energy Drink
In recent years, the energy drink “Prime” has become integral to KSI’s financial narrative. Notably, KSI and Logan Paul have endorsed Prime since its launch in January 2022. According to unofficial reports from Prime, the brand amassed $565 million in revenue between December 2022 and December 2023.
Ownership of Prime No, Logan Paul and KSI are promoters of Prime but possess a share in the brand. Speculations suggest that the duo may individually own 20% or jointly own 20% of Prime. The bulk of the majority stake is under Louisville-based conglomerate Congo Brands, co-owned by Max Clemons and Trey Steiger.
If we assume Logan and KSI each own 20% of the brand, given that Rockstar sold to Pepsi for $3.8 billion in 2020 at $800 million in revenue, Prime, generating $600 million annually, may hold an estimated value of around $3 billion (5 times $600m). This valuation implies that their respective stakes could be worth $600 million if they each own 20%. Alternatively, if they share a combined 20%, dividing equally would yield $300 million per person. Nonetheless, these valuations are speculative due to the undisclosed equity distribution and unverified revenue details. However, it is evident that both individuals hold valuable stakes in a burgeoning enterprise.
Prime has garnered attention by enlisting celebrity endorsem*nts, including Patric Mahomes, Erling Haaland, and Alexander Volkanovski, potentially offering the celebrities equity in return for their promotion.
Early Life
KSI, born Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji on June 19, 1993, in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, has familial roots in London and Nigeria. KSI’s younger brother, Deji, also a YouTuber, notably ranked #1 and #2 alongside KSI in Tubular Labs’ list of the “UK’s Most Influential YouTube Creators” in 2015. KSI met Simon Minter during his time at Berkhamsted School, subsequently joining forces within the Sidemen collective. In 2018, Deji’s public leak of KSI’s personal banking information led to KSI expressing discontent towards his family, emphasizing privacy concerns.
YouTube Trajectory
KSI commenced his YouTube journey in 2008 under the username “JideJunior,” launching the “KSIOlajideBT” channel in July 2009. Upon solidifying revenue from FIFA gaming commentary videos, KSI abandoned sixth form college. Progressing to vlog-style content and diversifying his gaming portfolio, he crossed the one million subscriber mark in 2012. Subsequently, KSI affiliated with Polaris, a subdivision of Maker Studios, in 2013, and by October that year, he joined the Sidemen, a British YouTube ensemble renowned for sketches, challenges, and gaming commentary videos. In August 2017, KSI announced his departure from the Sidemen, followed by the release of disparaging track videos aimed at other members.
Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images
Musical Journey
Debuting his album “Dissimulation” in May 2020, KSI secured top spots on charts like the Irish Albums Chart and the UK Albums Chart. The Gold-certified album encompassed hit singles such as “Down Like That” (featuring Rick Ross, Lil Baby, and S-X), “Wake Up Call” (featuring Trippie Redd), “Poppin” (featuring Lil Pump and Smokepurpp), “Houdini” (featuring Swarmz and Tion Wayne), and “Killa Killa” (featuring Aiyana-Lee). Successively, his “All Over the Place” album in 2021 clinched the pinnacle of the UK Albums Chart, featuring Gold singles like “Really Love” (featuring Craig David and Digital Farm Animals) and “Don’t Play” (with Anne-Marie and Digital Farm Animals). KSI’s musical repertoire extends to EPs like “Keep Up” (2016), “Jump Around” (2016), “Space” (2017), and “Disstracktions” (2017), alongside the studio album “All Over The Place” in 2021.
Personal Insights
KSI actively engages in charitable endeavors, partaking in charity TV programs like “Comic Relief,” “Stand Up To Cancer,” “Children in Need,” and “Sport Relief.” In a notable act of generosity in 2015, he donated $10,000 to YouTuber Castro1021’s
Supporting various causes is a significant part of KSI’s philanthropic endeavors. From participating in charity events like the Race Against Slime to donating to organizations supporting black lives, KSI has made a positive impact. Over the years, he has collaborated with his fellow Sidemen to raise funds for charities such as Childline and the Saint’s Foundation through charity football events. Additionally, his contributions extend to initiatives like the Help the Hungry campaign and the Food for London Now campaign. In 2021, he generously donated £10,000 to Comic Relief during BBC Radio 1’s “Lol-a-thon.” KSI’s actions demonstrate his commitment to making a difference in various communities.
On the personal front, KSI, a supporter of Arsenal F.C., has made appearances on AFTV, engaging with fellow football enthusiasts. However, his past has seen controversy, like accusations of inappropriate behavior at a Eurogamer event. Despite the controversy, he continues to engage with his passions and fans, striving to contribute positively to the community.
In terms of recognition, KSI has received accolades such as the Diamond Creator Award at the YouTube Creator Awards and the title of Vlogger of the Year at the NME Awards. His music has also been recognized, with “Lighter” winning a Amazon Music UK award for Best Song and earning him a BRIT Award nomination. Nominations from prestigious platforms like the Shorty Awards and British Book Awards further highlight his influence and talent. Additionally, he was awarded “Personality of the Year” at the Rated Awards in 2022.
In a revealing interview with “Men’s Health,” KSI shared details about his extensive real estate portfolio, owning over ten homes in England with an estimated worth exceeding £10 million. His investment in a London property worth £10 million in 2021 showcases his penchant for strategic investments in the real estate sector.
