How Speedrunning Events Drive Millions in Charitable Giving and Community Impact

Photo by Kazuo ota on Unsplash

Introduction: The Rise of Speedrunning Events for Charity

Online gaming marathons have transformed charitable giving by combining the passion of gaming communities with the power of livestreaming. Speedrunning events -where gamers complete games as quickly as possible-have become a primary force in raising funds for leading nonprofits. Over the past decade, these events have proven that digital engagement can create significant real-world impact, especially for organizations like Doctors Without Borders and the Prevent Cancer Foundation.

Major Impact: Funds Raised and Charitable Outcomes

The most prominent speedrunning event series, Games Done Quick (GDQ) , has set new standards for online charity fundraising. As of 2025, GDQ events have raised over $55 million for charity, with individual marathons regularly collecting between $2 million and $3.5 million in donations [1] [3] [4] . The Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ) 2024 alone raised more than $2.57 million for Doctors Without Borders, while the Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ) 2025 brought in over $2.5 million for the Prevent Cancer Foundation [3] .

These figures are not one-off successes. The GDQ organization has consistently delivered week-long charity marathons twice a year, harnessing the enthusiasm of thousands of viewers and participants to support vital medical and humanitarian causes. This consistent fundraising success demonstrates the lasting value of speedrunning events in the nonprofit sector.

How Speedrunning Events Work: Structure and Participation

Speedrunning charity marathons like GDQ are typically livestreamed on platforms such as Twitch. They bring together hundreds of gamers who showcase their skills in completing games at record speeds, often under challenging or unique conditions. During each event, viewers from around the world tune in, interact with hosts and runners, and, most importantly, donate to the chosen charity [1] .

Donations are often incentivized through interactive challenges, donation-based votes, and prize raffles. For example, viewers may be able to “bid” for certain in-game outcomes by contributing to specific donation goals. This creates a dynamic fundraising environment that keeps audiences engaged and motivated to give.

If you are interested in participating as a viewer or donor, you can typically do so by:

Following GDQ or similar events on platforms like Twitch or YouTube
Donating directly through official event portals, which are prominently promoted during live broadcasts
Engaging with event communities on social media for updates and calls to action

To participate as a runner, most events have open submission periods. Interested individuals can submit their intended speedrun, including details about the game, category, and estimated completion time. Each event’s official website provides detailed submission guidelines and timelines. For more information, search “Games Done Quick runner submissions” or visit the official GDQ pages during announced application windows.

Community Engagement and Broader Benefits

One of the most significant impacts of speedrunning events is their ability to foster a sense of community and inclusiveness. Livestream chat rooms, social media groups, and event forums allow viewers and participants to connect, discuss games, and share personal stories related to the charities involved. This interactive environment builds a supportive culture around both gaming and philanthropy [5] .

In addition to raising funds, speedrunning marathons raise awareness for the supported causes. Short presentations during streams often feature stories from charity representatives, frontline workers, and beneficiaries. This not only educates viewers but also inspires them to take personal action or become involved with the featured organizations in other ways.

Some viewers and participants have gone on to organize their own local charity streams, inspired by the GDQ format. This ripple effect amplifies the impact far beyond the original events.

Real-World Examples and Outcomes

Games Done Quick is the most widely recognized speedrunning charity event, but it is not alone. Other marathons, such as European Speedrunner Assembly (ESA), have also contributed millions to charity. GDQ, however, continues to set records in terms of both viewership and funds raised. For example:

In 2024, SGDQ hosted over 150 speedruns, with more than 8.2 million hours watched and $2.57 million donated to Doctors Without Borders [2] .
The 2022 GDQ event set a record by raising more than $3.44 million in a single week [2] .
Lifetime, GDQ has raised over $55 million, primarily benefiting Doctors Without Borders and the Prevent Cancer Foundation [4] .

These tangible results have provided critical support to essential medical programs and research initiatives. The organizations involved frequently acknowledge the direct, meaningful contributions that speedrunning events make to their missions.

How to Get Involved: Step-by-Step Guidance

If you want to support or participate in a speedrunning charity event, follow these steps:

Stay Informed: Monitor official announcements from Games Done Quick or other reputable marathons. You can do this through their verified social media accounts or by searching for “Games Done Quick event schedule” to find official dates and updates.
Participate as a Viewer: Join livestreams on platforms like Twitch during event weeks. You do not need an account to watch, but creating one lets you join the chat and interact with the community.
Donate Safely: During events, use only the official donation links shared during broadcasts or found on the official GDQ website. Never donate through unofficial channels or links that cannot be independently verified.
Submit a Speedrun: If you are a speedrunner, look for submission windows on the event’s official site. Prepare a video or demonstration of your intended run and follow the posted guidelines. Seek feedback from the speedrunning community to improve your submission chances.
Host Your Own Stream: If you want to organize a local or independent charity stream, consider reaching out to established marathons for guidance or collaborating with other community members. Always choose reputable charities and use official donation platforms to ensure transparency and security.

For additional details, consider reaching out directly to the organizing team via their official contact forms, or by engaging with their verified social media accounts for support and up-to-date guidance.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Organizing and participating in large-scale charity events can present challenges, such as ensuring secure donation handling, maintaining viewer engagement, and meeting technical requirements for high-quality streaming. To address these:

Always use official donation portals and verify all URLs before sharing or using them.
Promote community guidelines and positive interaction to maintain a welcoming environment.
Regularly test streaming setups and internet connections to minimize technical disruptions.
Stay informed of best practices by connecting with experienced organizers or by consulting official event documentation and community forums.

By following these steps and leveraging official resources, participants and organizers can maximize the positive impact of their efforts while minimizing potential risks.

Conclusion: Speedrunning Events as a Model for Digital Philanthropy

Speedrunning charity marathons have redefined what is possible for online fundraising. Their success is rooted in transparent operations, community involvement, and a commitment to supporting urgent global causes. By blending entertainment with purpose, these events demonstrate the power of collective action and innovation in the digital age. Whether you are a gamer, donor, or organizer, there are accessible pathways to join this movement and help drive meaningful change.