The Sidemen's Vikkstar, whose real name is Vikram Singh Barn, has broken his silence regarding KSI's departure from the prominent YouTube group. In an appearance on Paul Brunson's podcast, We Need To Talk, Vikkstar stated that the remaining six members intend to continue producing content.
"The six of us have said that we want to carry on making the content and we have the same team that we've built to help us deliver the content. So we are continuing making content and having a great time as the six of us," Vikkstar said.
The group, formed in 2013, is known for its challenges, sketches, and video game commentaries across their collective YouTube channels, which boast over 155 million subscribers. The Sidemen were recognized on The Sunday Times Gaming Rich List in 2024 with an estimated worth of £50 million.
Vikkstar acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding KSI's departure, noting that the group had not planned for such an event. "It is amazing because we did always say at one point, we said if one of us leaves, do then others leave? Does that end The Sidemen? That was a complete unknown that arrived on our doorstep and there is no road map."
The current lineup of The Sidemen consists of Simon Minter (Miniminter), Joshua Bradley (Zerkaa), Tobi Brown (TBJZL), Ethan Payne (Behzinga), Vikram Barn (Vikkstar123), and Harry Lewis (W2S).
In a YouTube video announcing his exit on May 31, KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, explained that the decision was difficult and personal. He stated that he had been feeling pulled in multiple directions and struggled to maintain balance in his life, making it difficult to dedicate the necessary 100% to the group.
"The Sidemen deserve somebody who can give 100 percent. And right now, I know I can't do that. It just wouldn't be fair to the boys. It wouldn't be fair to you. And it wouldn't be fair to myself," KSI said in his video. He emphasized that his departure was not due to any negative incident within the group.
KSI, who also serves as a judge on Britain's Got Talent, recently invested in the sixth-tier football club Dagenham & Redbridge. He has been actively involved with the club, including making managerial changes and attending matches.
Vikkstar also reflected on his own journey with The Sidemen, mentioning that he worked up to 16 hours a day for years, sacrificing social life and the experience of attending university to grow the group's presence.