The Last of the Octopus Wrestler – Gary Keffler
Octopus wrestling was most popular on the West Coast of the United States during the 1960s. At that time, annual World Octopus Wrestling Championships were held in Puget Sound, Washington. The event was televised and attracted up to 5,000 spectators.[1] Trophies were awarded to the individual divers and teams who caught the largest animals. Afterwards, the octopuses were either eaten, given to the local aquarium, or returned to the sea.[1]
In April 1963, 111 divers took part in the World Octopus Wrestling Championships. A total of 25 giant Pacific octopuses (Enteroctopus dofleini) were captured that day, ranging in weight from 4 to 57 pounds (1.8 to 25.9 kg).[3]