The question isn't exactly novel, but a post (tweet) on X (Twitter) from YouTuber MrBeast re-lit the spark. The post now has over 50 million views across the platform and has inspired countless takes all over social media.
Need 100 men to test this, any volunteers? pic.twitter.com/p2iQvOWbYJ
— MrBeast (@MrBeast) April 28, 2025
We at the Observer are not exactly experts in primatology, but have you seen the gorillas at the Dallas Zoo? And don't even get us started on Elmo the silverback over at the Fort Worth Zoo.
Still, the gorilla debate infiltrated our Observer offices this week, distracting us from work just long enough to bring you this hard-hitting commentary:
Kelly Dearmore, news editor: I think I'll put my money on the gorilla. I trust a gorilla's instincts and raw power over the severe lack of intellect of any number of men who are cool with fighting a gorilla. But even more than simply thinking the gorilla would win, I just really want the gorilla to win. Screw those guys ganging up on a gorilla.
Alyssa Fields, staff news writer: Man versus beast, a trial that has piqued humanity since Roman times, when watching a measly man fight a wild animal to the death in a packed amphitheatre was a weekend treat. Since that was determined to be unethical animal and human cruelty, the mind can only wonder who would be victorious in theoretical challenges. The latest and greatest of these ponderings, capturing the attention of all, is one gorilla versus 100 men. On instinct, one would assume the burly gorilla, weaponized with one of the strongest bites in the animal kingdom, and a natural muscular structure similar to that of University of North Texas alum Stone Cold Steve Austin, would be the obvious victor. But given the opportunity to plan for strategic warfare, albeit guerrilla, the men might just have the upper hand. Plus, the gorilla would probably get tired. I'm no animal expert, so I can't be the authoritative voice on this Venatio-style issue, but I can confirm that if I had anything to do with it, the battle would be 99 vs. two, because I'm on the gorilla's side.
Eric Diep, music editor: We really debate about anything on the internet, huh? 100% a gorilla is besting 100 men. Skull Island isn’t just a coincidence.
Emma Ruby, staff news writer: Dumb. That’s my comment.
Simon Pruitt, staff culture, music and food writer: I keep seeing people come up with these coordinated plans of attack online. That's ridiculous. I know this is all for fun, but this is not 'Nam, there are rules. I think the only fair way to frame this is that the 100 men and one gorilla are dropped into a fight with zero prep and only the will to survive. In that scenario, I think fear is the biggest factor, far more than brute strength or intelligence. I am a man, there is just no chance I'm even trying a gorilla, even with 99 other men beside me. I'd be petrified and stay back, which would likely end in me getting killed by the gorilla near the end in a Mortal Kombat fatality fashion..
Alec Spicer, arts and culture editor: I’m tempted to say that 100 men very obviously defeat a single gorilla, but I’ve been on dating apps — one gorilla is definitely smarter than 100 men combined.
Please don't gather your buddies to try to start a fight with one of the gorillas at the zoo this weekend — they're so cute.
