At last, the moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived! Forget the Super Bowl – it’s time for Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ), the annual charity speedrunning marathon that captivates gamers and fans alike. This thrilling week-long event showcases talented speedrunners as they execute mind-blowing feats with video games, all while raising money for a great cause.
Celebrating 15 Years of Gaming Excellence
Since its inception in 2010, Games Done Quick (GDQ) has evolved into a global phenomenon, raising millions for charities like the Prevent Cancer Foundation. In just the last two years, the event has shattered fundraising records, with $3,442,033 raised in 2022 and $2,539,832 in 2023. The community-driven spirit of GDQ has led to increasingly ambitious and entertaining performances, including blindfolded runs, two players using a single controller, and even speedruns featuring dogs!
This year’s AGDQ promises to be no different, with a lineup packed full of unique and outrageous runs. Expect to see Crazy Taxi with a live band, someone playing Elden Ring on a saxophone, and a New Super Mario Bros. Wii run while playing piano. Plus, there’s a two-players-one-controller run of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a slew of randomizer races, and a highly anticipated Map Randomizer Race featuring some of the best Super Metroid runners. If you’ve never tuned in to GDQ before, this is the perfect year to start!
Event Schedule: Highlights You Can’t Miss
AGDQ 2025 kicks off on Sunday, January 5 at 9:00 AM PT with an exciting run of Pikmin on Nintendo Switch, followed by the classic Portal 2. Sunday is packed with thrilling content, including fan favorites like Kirby’s Air Ride and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, notorious for its continuous optimization by the speedrunning community.
To give you a taste of what’s in store, here’s a quick roundup of Sunday’s highlights:
Sunday Highlights
– **9:00 AM PT:** Pikmin – All Parts
– **10:24 AM:** Portal 2 – Single Player No SLA
– **1:56 PM:** Ori and the Blind Forest – Randomizer World Tour 11
– **3:30 PM:** Astro Bot – Any%
– **6:19 PM:** The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker – Any%
– **9:14 PM:** Alan Wake 2: Night Springs – All Episodes
– **10:01 PM:** Alan Wake 2: The Lake House – Any%
But that’s just the beginning! Here’s a sneak peek of some more action-packed days:
Monday Highlights
– **9:54 AM PT:** UFO 50 – Various Games Showcase
– **10:51 AM:** Super Meat Boy – Any%
– **3:00 PM:** Metroid Prime – Any% Inbounds Race
– **4:42 PM:** The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Any% 2 Players 1 Controller
– **6:45 PM:** Horizon: Forbidden West – NG+ Story
Tuesday Highlights
– **7:47 AM PT:** Unicorn Overlord – Any% Story
– **10:18 AM:** Spyro: Reignited Trilogy – Spyro 1, Any% NBS
– **6:20 PM:** The Last of Us: Left Behind – Remake – Grounded
Wednesday Highlights
– **8:51 AM PT:** Sonic X Shadow Generations – Any%
– **1:43 PM:** New Super Mario Bros. Wii – Any% While Playing Piano
– **8:24 PM:** Awful Games Done Quick Block featuring Superman 64 and more!
The Awful Block is a beloved segment of GDQ, showcasing games that are known for their quirky, janky nature. This year’s block will include the infamous Superman 64 and culminate in a hilarious run of Kevin Costner’s Waterworld.
Final Days of AGDQ: Don’t Miss Out!
The excitement continues throughout the week. Here are some standout runs from Thursday and Friday:
Thursday Highlights
– **10:55 AM PT:** The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – All Dungeons
– **6:55 PM:** CHUNITHM LUMINOUS PLUS – Arcade Showcase
Friday Highlights
– **2:36 AM PT:** Final Fantasy VII Rebirth – Any% Easy
– **4:00 PM:** Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – 48 Tracks (DLC) 200cc, No Items
– **8:07 PM:** Super Mario World – 96 Exit Race
And for Saturday, prepare for an entire day filled with gaming gold. The day will kick off with Peggle Extreme and Metal Gear Solid, followed by standout runs such as:
Saturday Highlights
– **10:32 AM PT:** Elden Ring – DLC Lockout Bingo
– **12:52 PM:** Elden Ring – Saxophone Controlled Boss Showcase
– **1:27 PM:** Crazy Taxi with Live Backing Band – Crazy Box
– **7:55 PM:** Super Metroid – Map Randomizer Race
Join the Fun!
Whether you’re a seasoned speedrunning fan or a newcomer to the scene, AGDQ 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience. Be sure to check the official schedule for full details and to catch as many runs as you can. This is not just a gaming event; it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and passion for video games. Don’t miss it!
