Exploring KSI’s Financial Journey and Philanthropy

With a portfolio that spans numerous industries and ventures, KSI’s financial journey is indeed a fascinating one. As per Forbes’ report, he grossed over $4.5 million in 2015, earning him the title of the world’s fifth highest-paid YouTuber for that year.

In 2018, KSI’s significant influence in the digital landscape enabled him to earn as much as £250,000 in advertising revenue from a single video, and his social media endorsements were priced around £75,000. As per reports, he was the director of three UK companies, with combined equity worth an impressive £1.7 million.

Business Insider revealed that KSI’s amateur boxing match against Logan Paul resulted in an approximate pay-per-view revenue of £8.5 million, complemented by live gate revenue from ticket sales surpassing £2.7 million. Unverified reports suggested a potential earning of £30 million for the night; however, KSI refuted these estimates, asserting that his earnings fell short of these speculative figures.

In the subsequent rematch with Logan Paul in 2019, it was disclosed that KSI was contracted to earn a minimum amount of $900,000. Beyond his YouTube and boxing ventures, KSI’s portfolio extends to the real estate market. In a conversation with Men’s Health, KSI revealed ownership of over ten properties throughout England, collectively valued at over £10 million.

According to estimates by The Sunday Times, KSI earned £12 million in 2020, and his earnings increased by an additional £13 million the following year.

KSI  and Sidemen

Since 2013, KSI has been an integral part of the British YouTube group, ‘Sidemen,’ known for their engaging content encompassing challenges, sketches, and video-game commentary. The group ventured into merchandise in 2014, selling exclusive Sidemen apparel. They further diversified their offerings by publishing a book titled “Sidemen: The Book” in 2016, which sold 26,436 copies within just three days.

Despite announcing his departure from the group due to conflicts with fellow member, Ethan Payne, in 2017, and subsequently releasing diss tracks against the group members, KSI later clarified that his fallout with Sidemen was partly fabricated.

In 2021, Sidemen launched a subscription service, Side+, and expanded into the hospitality and liquor industry with the introduction of a restaurant chain called ‘Sides’ and a vodka brand ‘XIX Vodka.’

Launching Prime Hydration with Logan Paul

In an intriguing turn of events, KSI, in 2022, announced that he had partnered with Logan Paul, his former adversary, to found a hydration company called ‘Prime.’ Following the announcement, Prime Hydration emerged as the NASCAR sponsor for Timmy Hill’s #13 car and later became the official hydration partner of English Premier League club, Arsenal F.C. The club’s Chief Commercial Officer lauded Prime as an exciting and forward-thinking brand with products and founders who are trailblazers in contemporary culture.

KSI’s Philanthropic Contributions

Despite maintaining a guarded personal life, KSI has contributed significantly to numerous charitable causes. In 2015, he donated $10,000 to an online charity stream organized by YouTuber Castro1021. He also participated in the ‘Race Against Slime’ event, raising funds for SpecialEffect, an organization developing gaming technology for individuals with physical disabilities.

Together with his Sidemen colleagues, KSI has been involved in three charity football events over the years, raising money for several charities including the Charlton Athletic Community Trust, Saint’s Foundation, Childline, and Young Minds.

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic in 2022, KSI aided a food bank to support The Independent’s ‘Help the Hungry’ campaign. He prepared meals for the Evening Standard’s ‘Food for London Now’ campaign and donated £10,000 to BBC Radio 1’s ‘Lol-a-thon’ fundraiser. As part of a public health initiative, KSI signed an open letter penned by Lenny Henry, urging Black British people to get vaccinated against COVID-19.