YouTube sensation and media personality KSI has officially announced a groundbreaking new documentary series that will chronicle his ambitious venture into football club ownership. The series, titled Race To The Top, is poised to offer an intimate look at the highs and lows of his recent acquisition of a stake in Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club.
From Online Fame to Football Ambitions
KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, first gained prominence as an online streamer in 2011 before skyrocketing to fame with the formation of the Sidemen collective in 2013. With millions of YouTube subscribers, he has diversified his career as a former boxer and a judge on Britain's Got Talent. His latest move into football ownership marks a significant expansion of his influence beyond digital entertainment.
A Cinematic Journey to the Premier League
The documentary series will be produced by KSI himself in collaboration with After Party Studios, aiming to capture the full spectrum of experiences involved in taking over the National League South club. KSI expressed his excitement on Instagram, stating, "I’m so excited to start this journey. It’s gonna be a rollercoaster for sure but I hope to bring Dagenham and Redbridge back to the glory days." The series will follow his goal of elevating the Daggers to the Premier League, providing unprecedented access to boardroom meetings, fan interactions, and the day-to-day challenges of managing a non-league side.
Production and Global Reach
Scheduled to premiere this summer on KSI's YouTube channel, which boasts over 17 million subscribers, the series will be promoted across his social media platforms and continue into the 2026/27 football season. It will be dubbed into 14 languages to reach a global audience, highlighting the international appeal of KSI's story. Production is already underway, with filming set to include this Saturday's match against Dorking Wanderers, marking KSI's first game as an owner.
Creative Team and Full-Circle Moment
The project reunites KSI with director Ben Doyle, also known as RVBBERDUCK, who previously directed the successful documentary KSI: Can't Lose. Doyle, the founder of After Party Studios, shared his enthusiasm, noting that when KSI called him about buying the club, he knew it was a must-capture moment. He described it as a full-circle experience, echoing their earlier collaboration that documented KSI's transition from YouTube star to boxer.
KSI reflected on this connection, saying, "For the fans who’ve been with me since Race to Division One, it’s a full-circle moment - from dreaming about football online to actually taking over a club." He added that working with Doyle and After Party Studios adds a special layer to the project, as they have a history of capturing his most pivotal moments.
Anticipated Release and Impact
While an official release date has not been announced, Race To The Top is confirmed to debut this summer. The series promises to delve into the pressures and possibilities of steering a football club into a new era, with cameras tracking every trial and triumph. This documentary not only highlights KSI's evolving career but also underscores the growing intersection of digital media and traditional sports, offering fans a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on football ownership.
