Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ) 2026 is currently underway, running from July 5th through July 11th, hosted live in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the Hilton Minneapolis Downtown. This highly anticipated event marks another significant charity speedrunning marathon, with all proceeds dedicated to Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières). This organization is the consistent beneficiary for SGDQ, renowned globally for its medical humanitarian aid, providing critical assistance to populations in distress, victims of natural or man-made disasters, and those affected by armed conflict across the globe. The dedication to such a vital cause underscores the event’s profound impact beyond the gaming community.
The success of these marathons is consistently impressive. Last year’s SGDQ 2025 successfully raised an astounding $2,436,614 for Doctors Without Borders. This substantial contribution highlights the generosity of the speedrunning community and its viewers. Similarly, the most recent Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ 2026), held in January, also surpassed the $2.4 million mark, specifically accumulating $2,443,414 for the Prevent Cancer Foundation. These figures demonstrate the consistent ability of Games Done Quick events to generate millions for various charities. Since its inception in 2010, the Games Done Quick series has collectively raised nearly $60 million over 15 years, a testament to the power of video games and community engagement for philanthropic endeavors.
Doctors Without Borders heavily relies on this type of private support to maintain its operational independence and reach. In 2023, a remarkable 97.2 percent of their operating funds originated from individual donors and private institutions, rather than government funding. This financial autonomy is crucial for their ability to respond rapidly and impartially to crises worldwide. Their total expenditures in 2023 amounted to €434.9 million, with a significant €76 million directly allocated to emergency aid projects. The organization reports that 79% of its financial resources are channeled directly into its social mission, encompassing field projects, direct support, and public awareness campaigns. This ensures that the funds raised by SGDQ are efficiently deployed to where they are most urgently needed, making a tangible difference in countless lives.
The marathon is streamed live 24 hours a day on both Twitch and YouTube, creating an accessible global platform for viewers. Participants can watch expert speedrunners, make donations, and unlock various incentives. These incentives often include unique opportunities like naming characters within games, influencing gameplay choices, or selecting more challenging routes for the runners, fostering a deep sense of community involvement and engagement. The interactive nature of the event encourages continuous viewership and charitable giving.
The SGDQ 2026 schedule features an exciting array of speedruns, showcasing both classic titles and contemporary hits. Highlights include a challenging 102% run of the beloved platformer Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest, a technical marvel in the form of a Super Mario 64 120 Star Tool-Assisted Speedrun (TAS), which pushes the boundaries of gameplay. A unique pinball showcase for Total Nuclear Annihilation offers a refreshing change of pace from traditional video game runs. The critically acclaimed deck-builder Balatro is also on the list, promising a high-score chase that will likely involve breaking the game’s mechanics. Perhaps one of the most anticipated runs is a modded Jak & Daxter playthrough, incorporating Half-Life 1 movement and weapons, promising pure, unadulterated chaos and innovative gameplay. Additionally, a high-energy race in Super Mario Maker 2 is scheduled, alongside runs for Pragmata, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and What the Golf?, ensuring a diverse and entertaining lineup for all viewers.
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It’s worth clarifying a common misconception: while some initial discussions or tags might have hinted at it, the official SGDQ 2026 schedule does not list a GTA 6 speedrun. This is understandable, given that the game has not yet been released, making a speedrun premature. The speedrunning community is typically quick to embrace new releases, but only once they are publicly available. This distinction is important for accurate reporting on the event’s content.
The return to in-person attendance significantly enhances the event’s atmosphere. SGDQ 2025 saw an impressive 2,600 attendees on-site, fostering a vibrant community spirit. The production of these marathons is a massive undertaking, involving countless individuals: the skilled speedrunners, insightful commentators, dedicated technical staff, and, crucially, the generous donors. This collective effort ensures the continued growth and success of Games Done Quick, allowing it to raise substantial funds for vital charitable causes year after year.