KSI, born Olajide William Olatunji, rose to fame as a YouTuber, rapper, and later as a professional boxer. He started his YouTube career by playing FIFA with friends and gained a following due to his entertaining and controversial humor. KSI’s reach and fame exploded when he became one of the founders of Sidemen, an online collective of UK YouTubers. His debut album reached number 13 on the UK Albums Chart, and he became a best-seller author in the UK. He is now a professional boxer with the recent release of his second album, further exploring new challenges in his career.
The Story of KSI: From YouTube Rapper to Boxing’s Biggest Celebrity
The name KSI may not ring a bell to everyone, but in the world of YouTube and boxing, he’s a household name. Born as Olajide William Olatunji on June 19, 1993, in Watford, England, he rose to fame as a YouTuber, rapper, and later, as a professional boxer.
Early Days on YouTube
In 2008, KSI started his YouTube career by uploading videos on the popular platform. At first, he posted videos of himself playing FIFA, a popular soccer video game, with his friends. He soon gained a following due to his entertaining and often hilarious commentary. His edgy and sometimes controversial humor appealed to a young audience, and he quickly amassed subscribers by the thousands.
In addition to gaming videos, KSI also created rap songs, parodies, and comedy sketches, all of which gained massive views and helped him become one of the biggest YouTubers in the world. His channel, KSI, currently has over 22 million subscribers, making him one of the most subscribed creators on the site.
The Rise of KSI
KSI’s reach and fame exploded when he became one of the founders of Sidemen, an online collective of UK YouTubers. The group included other big names such as Vikkstar123, Zerkaa, Wroetoshaw, and more. Together, the group gained millions of subscribers and views, creating a community of fans that followed them wherever they went.
KSI’s edgy personality, hard work ethic, and incredibly entertaining content made him a superstar in the YouTube world. He soon began to diversify his portfolio, branching out into music, books, and even acting. His debut album, Keep Up, reached number 13 on the UK Albums Chart, while his book, KSI: I Am a Bellend, became a best-seller in the UK.
The Boxing Career Begins
In 2018, KSI announced he was stepping into the ring to face fellow YouTuber Joe Weller in a boxing match. The fight, held in the Copper Box Arena in London, was a massive success, drawing more than 1.6 million views on YouTube alone. KSI was declared the winner in the third round, cementing his status as a boxer and solidifying his reputation as a fierce competitor.
His success in his first fight led to a greater challenge. In 2019, KSI went head-to-head with another popular YouTuber, Logan Paul, in a rematch that was watched by millions across the globe. The fight, a six-round professional bout held in the Staples Center in Los Angeles, ended in a draw, but it didn’t stop KSI from earning the respect of the boxing community and his fans.
Continued Success and Beyond
After the success of his second boxing match, KSI continues to push boundaries, exploring different avenues for entertainment and success. He recently released his second album, Dissimulation, which reached number two on the UK Albums Chart. He also announced that he will make his acting debut in the upcoming film, “Laid in America”.
At just 27 years old, KSI has already achieved more than most people can dream of. From humble beginnings on YouTube to becoming a professional boxer and an accomplished musician, he has shown that with hard work, dedication, and talent, anything is achievable. His story is an inspiration for anyone who has a dream and the determination to make it a reality.
Conclusion
KSI’s journey from a YouTube sensation to a professional boxer is a remarkable one. His ability to entertain and amass a tremendous following across multiple disciplines is a testament to his talent and work ethic. The future is bright for KSI as he continues to explore new challenges, and his story will undoubtedly inspire a generation of aspiring creators and athletes to chase their dreams.