Social media has been set ablaze by an old-school Twitter debate this weekend: if 100 humans were to hypothetically get in a fight with a single gorilla, who would win? The initial post on X has surpassed 200 million views, and the debate has even carried over to TV.
It should be made clear from the jump that these are hypothetical odds, with it almost certain that neither PETA nor any sane human being would allow this to be put to the test. But, even just in theory, oddsmakers at DraftKings Sportsbook have listed the gorilla as a -500 favorite in the matchup while humans are considered +300 underdogs.
***DISCLAIMER: These odds are not real and cannot be placed on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Analyzing the matchup
To lay out the full scouting report for this opponent, an adult male silverback gorilla typically weighs between 300 and 500 pounds and is estimated to be between four and nine times stronger than the average human being. They record a bite force of around 1,300 PSI, which is greater than a lion, and can run around 20-25 mph.
But you know what gorillas haven’t done?
Go to the moon. Invent electricity. Create transportation that allows us to travel across the sea and in the air. Generate written language to communicate with each other. Create lifesaving medical tactics to expand the lifespan of society. Being capable of ordering food to come directly to our houses with just a few simple clicks on our smartphones. Manage to stop filling up your car with gas exactly on a round number.
If we, as a human race, can accomplish these once impossible feats, but run afraid from this gorilla, then what have we become as a society?
For goodness’ sake, we have gorillas kept up in zoos all across the world, and we shouldn’t believe we can take these things?
Now! I am not saying it will be easy. I should also note that I am the very same guy who has passionately defended that he can outrun a bear since he was 12 years old (still absolutely, can by the way!). But just take a second. Think about just how large a mass 100 people comprises. If we can create a plan for 20 people to latch on to each arm and leg, human beings have a chance.
There has been quite an array of opinions regarding the topic online.
How exactly these 100 human beings are selected also plays a role in the outlook for this hypothetical spar. But your gut reaction to whether or not humans have a chance tells me all I need to know about whether I want you on my squad for this. Allow me to fill out the rest of my 99 with the toughest UFC fighters and a calculated roster, and I believe I can at least push the human race to even odds.
For the time being, I will be watching Planet of the Apes, crunching the tape, and preparing for this historic battle. We will never know the full answer to this hilarious online debate (which the gorilla should be thankful for), but these are the type of old-school internet moments that we live for.
Side note—Mr. Beast has a chance to do the funniest thing ever:
