Three-day speedrunning marathon from the biggest gaming event in the world

Games Done Quick (GDQ), the leading organizer of charity speedrunning events, and gamescom, the world’s biggest event for computer and video games, today announced gamescom GDQ, a new live event taking place August 28-30, 2026 at the event. This marks GDQ’s first-ever event hosted in Europe and its first official partnership with gamescom.

gamescom GDQ will feature three days of speedrunning, with programming beginning daily at 10 a.m. CEST (4 a.m ET/ 1 a.m. PT) and running until approximately 8 p.m. CEST (2 p.m. ET/ 11 a.m. PT). Attendees can experience the event live on-site at gamescom, while global audiences can tune in via GDQ's official Twitch and YouTube channels.

The event will benefit Gaming for Democracy, an initiative created in partnership with Bertelsmann Stiftung and Stiftung Digitale Spielekultur, supporting civic engagement and democratic values through gaming culture.

“We’re thrilled to expand Games Done Quick globally and to bring a live event to gamescom in Germany, an opportunity that’s incredibly meaningful to our team," said Ashley Farkas, Owner and Business Director at Games Done Quick. "This partnership not only supports an amazing initiative, but also creates space for more runners to participate, especially those who haven’t previously had the opportunity to travel to the US."

“Speedrunning captivates millions of people around the world. We are therefore all the more excited to announce gamescom GDQ,” says Tim Endres, Director of gamescom. “This gives fans in Europe their first opportunity to experience this popular format live. At the same time, the event underscores gamescom’s importance not only in its leading role for the games industry and community, but also as a platform for social engagement.”

“Games Done Quick and gamescom are a perfect match: Here, it becomes clear what makes gaming so special: the sense of community, the passion, the competition, but also simply the joy of playing games and creatively pushing the boundaries of the rules. Added to this is the social commitment. gamescom GDQ is therefore the ideal complement to the gamescom program,” says Stefan Heikhaus, Head of gamescom & events at game – The German Games Industry Association.

As with previous GDQ events, gamescom GDQ will showcase a curated lineup of speedruns performed by top players from around the world, celebrating skill, community, and the positive impact of games. 

Since 2010, Games Done Quick has raised more than $60 million for charities worldwide, including Doctors Without Borders, Prevent Cancer Foundation, Malala Fund, and Race Forward.

Run submission opens on May 4th. Additional details, including the full event schedule, will be announced soon. For more information, please visit gamesdonequick.com or gamescom.global and follow the gamescom social media channels and Games Done Quick on Bluesky, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

About Games Done Quick:

Games Done Quick is an organizer of video game speedrunning marathons. These events feature high-level gameplay by speedrunners raising money for charity. Games Done Quick has teamed up with several charities in its 15-year history, including Prevent Cancer Foundation and Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders). To date, Games Done Quick has raised more than $60 million for charity.