The Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ) 2026 event has concluded, leaving behind a trail of impressive speedrunning feats and significant charitable contributions. Held in Minneapolis this week, the event drew around 2,500 in-person attendees and thousands more via livestreams. This year’s marathon raised an astonishing $2.4 million (£1.8m) for Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières an organization dedicated to providing life-saving medical care to those in need worldwide.
The event was not just about speedrunning; it was a celebration of community and charity. Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities, including panels, board games, music, and a bustling vendor’s alley featuring video game-inspired artwork. The event also showcased a documentary detailing Doctors Without Borders’ work supporting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, titled Return to Gaza.
Notable Runs and Highlights
SGDQ 2026 featured a week full of zany, unexpected, and joyful moments. Some of the standout runs included Bluekandy’s world record-breaking run of Kirby Air Riders a remarkable run of Balatro that defied all odds, and an impromptu beatboxing session during the Resident Evil: Requiem run. These moments, along with many others, made the event a memorable experience for both attendees and viewers.
The event also featured a variety of other notable runs, such as Dr4gonBlitz’s precise and efficient run of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and mathulu’s emotionally charged run of Hollow Knight: Silksong where the audience enthusiastically chanted Awoo-ing each time a flea was found. Other highlights included the humorous and chaotic run of Manual Samuel and the first-ever pinball speedrun of Total Nuclear Annihilation by Ryan McSquid.
Community and Charity
Since its inception in 2010, Games Done Quick has collectively raised over $62 million for various charities worldwide, including the Malala Fund and the Organization for Autism Research. Last year’s Summer Games Done Quick 2026 raised $2,436,614 for Doctors Without Borders, while this year’s Awesome Games Done Quick 2026 raised $2.44 million for the Prevent Cancer Foundation.
The event’s success is a testament to the passion and dedication of the speedrunning community. As Dom noted in their feature about the event, I can’t stress enough how much of a good time these twice-annual shows are. The event not only provides entertainment but also serves as a platform for raising awareness and funds for important causes.
For those who missed the event or want to relive the excitement, all runs are archived on the Games Done Quick YouTube channel. Whether you’re a seasoned speedrunning fan or new to the scene, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate.
