Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ) 2025 concluded its weeklong speedrunning extravaganza in Pittsburgh on Sunday morning, raising an impressive $2,556,305 for the Prevent Cancer Foundation through a unique blend of gaming prowess and creative entertainment. The event showcased extraordinary talent as players raced through video games at breakneck speeds, often using unconventional controllers and adding musical flair to their performances.
The annual marathon, which ran continuously from January 5-12, delivered memorable moments that pushed the boundaries of traditional gaming. Among the standout performances was a remarkable display by Dr. Doot, who conquered the notoriously difficult Elden Ring bosses using an electric saxophone controller, accompanied by the instrument’s signature “doot doot” sounds throughout the run. This unconventional approach to one of gaming’s most challenging titles exemplified the event’s spirit of combining technical skill with entertainment.
Musical innovation proved to be a recurring theme throughout the marathon. FunkopotamusWes demonstrated exceptional multitasking abilities during his New Super Mario Bros. Wii speedrun, playing piano while simultaneously controlling the game using head and foot movements via motion controls. Adding to the musical festivities, a live band accompanied a Crazy Taxi speedrun, transforming the arcade classic into an impromptu concert experience.
The success of AGDQ 2025 maintains the impressive fundraising momentum established by previous events, matching last year’s approximately $2.5 million total. This achievement contributes to Games Done Quick’s remarkable cumulative impact, having raised more than $54 million for various charitable causes over the years, including significant contributions to organizations like Doctors Without Borders and the Prevent Cancer Foundation.
Games Done Quick’s commitment to charitable gaming extends beyond AGDQ, with several events scheduled throughout the year. The organization’s next endeavor, Back to Black, is set for February 6-9, 2025. This upcoming event will specifically showcase Black hosts and speedrunners while raising funds for Race Forward, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing racial justice initiatives.
The popularity of AGDQ reflects the growing mainstream appeal of speedrunning, a gaming subculture where players complete video games as quickly as possible through a combination of skill, knowledge of game mechanics, and sometimes exploitation of game glitches. The marathon format, featuring continuous gameplay for a full week, allows viewers to witness a vast array of games being deconstructed and mastered in ways their original developers likely never imagined.
For those who missed the live broadcasts, the entire collection of speedruns has been archived on the Games Done Quick YouTube channel, providing an extensive library of remarkable gaming achievements. These recordings capture not only the technical excellence of the speedruns but also the community’s creative spirit and dedication to charitable causes.
The sustained success of AGDQ demonstrates how gaming communities can channel their passion into meaningful social impact. By combining entertainment with fundraising, the event has created a unique platform where gaming expertise serves a greater purpose. The consistent ability to raise millions of dollars annually speaks to both the generosity of the gaming community and the enduring appeal of watching skilled players push games to their absolute limits.
As Games Done Quick continues to evolve and expand its charitable initiatives, events like AGDQ 2025 serve as powerful reminders of video gaming’s potential to unite people for worthy causes. The combination of technical skill, creative performance, and charitable giving has created a formula that continues to resonate with audiences while making a tangible difference in the fight against cancer and other important causes.
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