Popular UK gaming content group Sidemen has announced the exit of one of its founding members, KSI, stating that the media personality has decided to no longer be part of the collective.

The announcement comes through Sidemen's official Instagram page and X handle after KSI himself released a social media post announcing the same.

The Sidemen announcement stated, "We’re sad to share the news that JJ has decided not to continue as part of the Sidemen. We had an amazing time on this journey with him and we wish him all the best with his future endeavours. This doesn't change anything for the rest of us. We're still committed to creating the best content, events, and shows that we can for you all."

Sidemen was originally formed in 2013, comprising seven British content creators, who initially started creating FIFA (now called EA FC), GTA, and Call of Duty gameplay videos together in an attempt to establish their respective gaming audiences.

The group is now one of the most successful ensembles in the content creation industry, with groups like Beta Squad following the similar business model.

Sidemen's business now spans multiple collective YouTube channels, a liquor brand, a food chain named "Sides," and merchandise, among others.

Their annual soccer Charity Match event raises millions every year for charitable institutions and causes. The scale of the game has significantly increased since its inception, and they sold out Wembley Stadium in 2025 and 2026.

The main channel still retains the "Sidemen Sunday" concept, with their biggest videos released on Sundays. Be it the "Cheap vs Expensive" travel videos or "Among Us: IRL" or "Sidemen Tinder." The feel-good factor is also still present.

KSI, who has been affectionately named JJ (Jide Junior) in the post, is arguably the most well-known personality in the group. He engages in successful hustles, including a music career, boxing, a refreshment company named Prime, and more.

This success has also seen him become a judge on the reality show Britain's Got Talent. The update comes as a shock to many, judging by the comments left by multiple media personalities and fans on the post.

The Authenticity of the Sidemen Announcement

The timing was way too sudden, and coincided with Arsenal's UEFA Champions League final defeat to defending champions PSG. KSI is an Arsenal fan, and many alluded that his own social media post was a result of a forfeit or something similar related to Arsenal's loss.

However, this isn't the first time Sidemen and KSI have been on tense grounds. In 2017, KSI announced he was leaving the Sidemen, and a barrage of diss tracks ensued. The conflict was later resolved, and many pointed towards it being a way to generate hype.

In response to the announcement on X, Harry "Wroetoshaw", a core member of the group, made two posts. In one, he wrote "Wait what????!!??" and in another, a simple "NOOOOOOOOOOOOO."

This could have possibly hinted at the return of the diss tracks because Harry's responses seemed sarcastic. However, Vikkstar, another Sidemen member, quashed any such possibilities of it being a bait post or a troll.

He commented on the Sidemen post, "Sadly this isn’t a prank… we wish JJ all the best."

Fans are right to be skeptical about the authenticity of the announcement based on history. But we will only know the actual truth as time passes. For now, though, Sidemen wants to make it clear it's real.

Written by

Abhisek Bajaj

Edited by

Yask Kotak