Vikram Barn, widely known as Vikkstar123, has broken his silence regarding the departure of fellow YouTuber KSI from the popular group The Sidemen. In an interview on Paul Brunson’s podcast, “We Need To Talk,” Vikkstar confirmed that The Sidemen intend to continue producing content as a group of six, despite KSI’s exit after 13 years.
The Sidemen’s Continued Content Creation
Vikkstar, whose real name is Vikram Singh Barn, stated that the remaining members are committed to continuing their work. “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,” he explained. “So we are continuing making content and having a great time as the six of us.” This assurance comes after KSI, whose real name is Olajide ‘JJ’ Olatunji, announced his departure in May, sending ripples through the online community.
Formed in 2013, The Sidemen have built a massive online presence, collectively amassing over 155 million subscribers across their various YouTube channels. Their content spans challenges, sketches, and video game commentaries. The group’s significant success was highlighted when they were named on The Sunday Times Gaming Rich List in 2024, with an estimated net worth of £50 million.
Navigating an Uncharted Path
Vikkstar acknowledged the unprecedented nature of KSI’s departure, noting that the group had never prepared for such an eventuality. “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?” he mused. “That was a complete unknown that arrived on our doorstep and there is no road map. There was no off-ramp. We never built an off-ramp. There was no on-ramp to The Sidemen, so to speak.” Despite this uncertainty, Vikkstar emphasized that, operationally, The Sidemen remain largely the same, which was their desired outcome.
The current lineup of The Sidemen consists of:
- Simon Minter (Miniminter)
- Joshua Bradley (Zerkaa)
- Tobi Brown (TBJZL)
- Ethan Payne (Behzinga)
- Vikram Barn (Vikkstar123)
- Harry Lewis (W2S)
Personal Sacrifices for The Sidemen
During the interview, Vikkstar also reflected on the personal sacrifices made to build The Sidemen’s brand. He revealed working up to 16 hours a day for years, foregoing a traditional university experience and a social life to dedicate himself to the group’s growth. “I guess, if I had to pick one thing I maybe missed out on, it would have been going to university itself. I never got that experience,” he shared.
KSI’s Reasons for Leaving
KSI’s announcement of his departure was emotional, shared in a YouTube video where he described it as the “hardest video I’ve ever had to make.” He explained that the decision was made after months of deliberation and was entirely his own, with no negative circumstances within the group. “The truth is, nothing bad has happened,” KSI stated. “This decision is completely my own.”
He elaborated on feeling pulled in multiple directions due to his various commitments, including his role as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent, his boxing career, and his entrepreneurial ventures, such as investing in the football club Dagenham & Redbridge. “Over the last few years, I’ve felt myself being pulled in a lot of directions than ever before,” he said. “Between everything else in my life, I feel like I’ve been running at full speed at 100mph.”
KSI expressed a desire to regain balance in his life, stating, “I’ve spent so long trying to be everything for everyone. Trying to be everywhere. Trying to do it all. Trying not to let anyone down. But somewhere along the way, I started losing the balance in my own life… I’ve found it hard to make enough time for myself. I’ve definitely found it hard to find time for my family. I’ve found it hard to make time for the people I love. And I’ve realised that something has to change.”
He concluded that The Sidemen deserve a member who can commit 100 percent, a level he felt he could no longer provide. “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.” He emphasized that the decision, though painful, was the right one for him and for the group, acknowledging the profound impact The Sidemen have had on shaping his identity.
Focus on Personal Well-being
KSI’s immediate focus will be on self-improvement and restoring his work-life balance. “For now, I need to focus on myself, and I need to focus on fixing my work life balance, just so I can finally focus on my health, and finally make time to see my family and make time to see my partner,” he explained.
The group’s future, now without one of its founding members, appears secure in the eyes of Vikkstar, who remains optimistic about their continued output and camaraderie.
