KSI has 18 million subscribers on YouTube.
He’s famous for uploading gaming video to his channel – and his larger than life personality. But there’s a lot more to this YouTuber than what we see on the computer screen.
“I’m not the best role model, but I have values that I feel people can aspire to,” the YouTube megastar said in an interview with BBC. “Hard work, determination, never giving up.”
While he may come across as a very outspoken (and slightly crass) gamer on YouTube, he actually seems like a pretty decent guy off-camera.
We’ve rounded up the six things you probably didn’t know about KSI.
Check them out below and try not to be too surprised . . . There’s a lot more to KSI than you realise.
His real name is Olajide William Olatunji.
KSI is twenty five years old and grew up in Hertfordshire, England. He’s known as “JJ” to his family and friends.
As for his digital alter-ego, KSI said he came up with the pseudonym name when he played Halo as a teen and was part of a Halo clan (KSI Global).
In a recent interview with BBC, he said the letters stand for “Knowledge”, “Strength” and “Integrity.”
He dropped out of highschool.
When KSI realised he was out-earning his teachers, he decided to quit highschool. Naturally, his parents were furious.
Considering he’s now making millions from YouTube, brand deals and sponsorships they’ve now reconciled. His parents now occasionally appear in his videos, and are his biggest supporters.
He’s multi-talented.
In addition to being known for his gaming skills and YouTube channel, KSI has dabbled in the music industry, white collar boxing, acting, and has written a book.
“As a YouTuber, I do everything,” KSI told BBC. “Gaming, pranks, skits, music, acting, boxing, literally you name it. I’ve probably done it.”
His brother is also famous.
Deji Olatunji is KSI’s younger brother.
Deji uploads vlogs, gaming and pranking videos to his YouTube channel, ComedyShortsGamer, and has a cool 9.2 million subscribers.
Deji and KSI are close and often appear in each others videos.
He’s very charitable.
The most surprising thing about this YouTuber? He’s extremely generous with his money.
Once KSI started raking in the cash, he paid off his parents’ house. He also quietly donates to a number of organizations, and is known to participate in charity events to raise funds for various causes.
According to Nikki Swift, “In June 2016, [KSI’s] gamer group, The Ultimate Sidemen, hosted a charity soccer match in Southampton against another team of YouTube Allstars. The event was a massive sold-out success.”
The event raised £100,000 from ticket sales and the proceeds were donated to the Saints Foundation, an independent charity aligned with the Southampton Football Club.
He uploads up to 40 videos per month.
According to The Telegraph, “. . . he makes up to 40 videos a month. Each is watched around two million times.”
Whoa.
That’s a lot of views. You’ve gotta admire his drive.
ITP Live, Dubai Summer Surprises, The Dubai Mall and PlayStation Middle East are excited to welcome KSI to Dubai for the DSS Gaming Challenge. He will be on stage, at The Dubai Mall on June 30th. For more information, click here.
Are you excited that KSI is coming to Dubai? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.