Welcome to this week’s speedrunning recap! It’s been a massive week for the speedrunning community, with Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ) 2025 taking center stage. From record-breaking donations to jaw-dropping performances, here’s everything you need to know.
AGDQ 2025: Over $1 Million Raised for Charity
AGDQ 2025 kicked off in style, quickly smashing through the $1,000,000 milestone for the Prevent Cancer Foundation. The final push came during the Chunithm Luminos Plus Arcade Showcase, where the energy in both the venue and the chat was electric. With more runs to come, the community is now aiming for $1.5 million and beyond.
Thorebane, our beloved GDQ stats enthusiast, summed it up best: “Nice one, all! Let’s go for our next target!” If you missed it live, catch the replay for all the hype moments.
World Records and Iconic Runs
This week also saw some incredible world records and unforgettable performances:
- Niftski claimed the Super Mario Bros. Any% world record with an astounding 4:54.565. The precision and skill on display were breathtaking, further cementing his place as one of the best in the scene.
- WES delivered a mind-blowing run of New Super Mario Bros. Any%—while playing piano! The combination of gameplay and live music earned a standing ovation, capped off with a blindfolded 1-1 level run.
Must-Watch Runs from AGDQ 2025
This year’s event has already featured some legendary performances:
- Linkus7 showcased The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, bringing a decade of expertise to the table. His commentary and banter with EJ125 and Pippyinatophat kept viewers entertained throughout.
- Spikevegeta made waves with his Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze run. With his charisma and top-tier gameplay, Spike proved why he’s a GDQ icon.
- Ratchet and Clank: Going Commando by Xem92 was a perfect blend of skill and humor, complete with an opera performance by Xem that left everyone in stitches.
If you’re short on time, these runs are essential viewing.
Discussions in the Community
The speedrunning community has also been abuzz with debates and insights:
- Incentives Controversy: Some fans are voicing frustration over “all or nothing” donation incentives, where runs or extra content are only unlocked if a target amount is met. While these incentives drive donations, missing the mark can leave viewers disappointed.
- Two Hosts Dynamic: Many praised the addition of dual hosts this year, allowing for smoother commentary and better audience engagement.
Lighter Moments at AGDQ
Of course, no AGDQ is complete without its share of quirky and hilarious moments:
- “Stop Grandma, NO, WRONG HOLE GRANDMA!!” became an instant meme thanks to the chaotic Golf With Your Grandmother Awful Block run.
- The Batman Forever Arcade run left viewers more confused than ever, with the runner opting for pure chaos over explanation—a decision that paid off with nonstop laughter.
Looking Ahead
With the week far from over, there’s still plenty to look forward to at AGDQ 2025. Whether you’re watching for the world records, the community vibes, or the sheer joy of speedrunning, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to check out the AGDQ 2025 VoD Thread for links to all the amazing runs you might have missed.
Let’s keep the momentum going—here’s to another incredible week in speedrunning!
Source: reddit.com