2025 AGDQ Best Runs

Awesome Games Done Quick 2025 has concluded, raising over $2.5 million for Prevent Cancer Foundation. Every Games Done Quick event is worth watching live or later on VOD, but this one AGDQ does a great job, packed with some of the best GDQ has to offer. Here are some of our favorites:

The great thing about the speedrunning community is that simply being the fastest runner in a particular game is often not enough. That's boring. For Wes, just run New Super Mario Bros. Wii Not enough to satisfy him. He had to get creative and decide to master the game as quickly as possible while playing the piano. But you ask, how can one play video games if both hands are occupied? The answer is obvious: by controlling the game with your head and feet. I don't know what motivates humans to do such things, and I don't care. Importantly, Weiss demonstrates the depth of human capabilities (and multitasking) that is mind-bending to watch.

Speaking of incredible human talent, how about playing games? Elden Ring — a game known for its extreme difficulty — played on a saxophone. I had been looking forward to this run all week and Dr. Dutt did not disappoint, but not for the reasons I expected. It's one thing to beat the likes of “Malenia, Blade of Miquella” with a specially programmed aerostat. But nothing could prepare me for every input, from initiating an attack to using a consumable that makes a hilarious “beep” sound. I cried laughing, it was so funny.

super metroid is a staple of GDQ, usually anchoring the last day of the event into the week's programming. But lately, instead of just showing off the game in action, GDQ is showcasing all the pieces that go into the game. super metroid Since 1994, the modding community has worked hard to keep the game fresh and interesting. This four-person match super metroid A map randomizer is included, meaning the game's normal layout has been reshuffled and put together in a completely new configuration.

Map random number generator metroid vanguard The game is very dangerous because all the abilities you need to progress are no longer arranged in a logical way. Samus would have run into the fire pit of Lower Norfell before finding the Varia suit. With the map randomized, finding the location of sets is now more difficult (and takes longer). Now add a competitive element and you have one of the most exciting matches in AGDQ history.

In the past, if you wanted to avoid getting DMCA hits for playing games with licensed music on Twitch, you could just turn off the music. But AGDQ has come up with a novel approach to solving this old problem. For this run Crazy Taxiwith every song performed by a cover band, transformed AGDQ from a speedrunning video game event into an impromptu punk rock show—mini Mosh pit and all—and it reigned. I won't share any details. Go and see for yourself.

The GDQ is a unique and special event for reasons beyond just coolness, creativity, or crazy running. In a world where cowardly companies think it's okay to denigrate women and the LGBTQ+ community, and where gamers have a unique reputation for attacking each other over differences we have no control over, Games Done Quick has been very vocal in its support of marginalized people. Whether it was the diverse programming of Frame Fatales or Black in a Flash or anything else, every donation came with a message of “trans rights,” read aloud with enthusiasm and loud cheers from the audience.

Games Done Quick is a shining example of how a well-curated community can foster acceptance and be a source of joy and kindness in a climate that needs it, and AGDQ 2025 is one of the best examples.