I've Got my Money on a Hundred Men

Spencer

June 6, 2025

The debate of 100 men versus a gorilla has sparked widespread controversy among many people, with many friendly arguments over how powerful humans are versus a gorilla. I’m here to provide a voice in favor of 100 men defeating one full-grown Silverback Gorilla. 

First things first: I would have loved it if the gorilla would win. I am in favor of the gorilla every single time. A gorilla is a living assault tank in the animal kingdom, weighing in around 400-500 pounds according to Newsweek, being 4-10 times stronger than a male human, capable of lifting and throwing objects over 800 pounds, and utilizing a bite force of 1,300 PSI. While being a relatively docile herbivore in their natural environment in the forests of Africa, they are more than capable of tearing humans apart limb from limb. 

However…

Humans are remarkable creatures as well. Humans have an exceptional capacity for endurance, particularly for long distance running or long-term activities, such as fighting a gorilla. Also, 100 humans is a ridiculous amount for a fight against a single organism, no matter how powerful it may be. Humans are also capable of lifting immense weights, with elite strongmen being capable of lifting up to 1,200 pounds. 

When the fight begins, the result is all a matter of endurance. 100 men have immensely more power than a single cornered gorilla. With adrenaline running through both sides, lots of energy will be used rapidly and quickly. In gorillas, their muscles are structured with fast-twitch fibers, allowing for larger bursts of explosive strength, composed of longer and denser muscle fibers. This will allow the gorilla to quickly tear, crush, smash, and destroy the first couple dozen humans with ease. However, this muscle structure does not allow for much endurance, eventually giving the upper hand to the remaining humans, who have more slow-twitch muscles, giving them a far higher endurance capacity. While the gorilla runs out of energy, the humans can circle it, targeting weak points like the eyes and joints, and can coordinate attacks to overwhelm the gorilla. 

No matter the outcome, this fight would be bloody and unnecessary. Most of the humans will die or suffer severe injuries, and the gorilla would most likely come to a brutal and inhumane end. 

Honestly, the best possible outcome would be if the humans got a negotiating team to calm the gorilla. If we had someone like Robert Irwin and others just try to relax and bond with the gorilla, there would be no conflict, and everyone would live. 

Although I would be on the gorilla’s side, I have to bet on the humans to win this battle based on sheer numbers and a final battle of endurance.