TBJZL
A foundational pillar of the Sidemen, transforming a YouTube collective into a multi-million pound empire spanning content, clothing, and hospitality.
Born 1993 (age 33)·English YouTuber·Birthday: April 8·Millennials
Biography
Tobit 'Tobi' Brown, known online as TBJZL, operates with a quiet steadiness at the center of the British digital storm. As a co-founder of the Sidemen, he helped architect one of the most successful YouTube collectives ever, moving from FIFA videos to stadium-filled charity matches. While his colleagues often command the loudest attention, Brown’s role has frequently been that of the grounded strategist and reliable performer. His business acumen, however, is anything but quiet. He has been instrumental in building the Sidemen brand far beyond adsense revenue, co-owning a vodka label, a clothing line, a chain of restaurants, and a cereal brand. In doing so, he has helped blueprint how internet fame can be leveraged into a durable, diversified portfolio, all while maintaining the group's core identity.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
TBJZL was born in 1993, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When TBJZL Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
TBJZL's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Co-founded the Sidemen, a YouTube group that has amassed tens of millions of subscribers and revolutionized British online content.
- Co-owner of multiple successful ventures including XIX Vodka, Sidemen Clothing, and the Sides restaurant chain.
- Helped organize and star in the Sidemen Charity Football Match, which sold out London's London Stadium in 2023.
Did You Know?
His online alias TBJZL is pronounced 'Tobi'.
He is a devoted fan of the English football club Arsenal FC.
He studied at the University of Brighton before focusing on YouTube full-time.
“Consistency and a good group, that's the foundation of everything we do.”
