Speedrunning is one of the gaming community’s oldest esports. Before the world even dreamed of massive multiplayer titles, players vied for single-player stardom with the fastest finishes and highest scores. As the format becomes more widespread, large-scale conventions have emerged, the most famous being Games Done Quick. The organization has just announced key information about Summer Games Done Quick 2025, including its location, full schedule, included games and more. Let’s explore a recap.
Games Done Quick (GDQ) is a charity gaming convention with a particular focus on speedrunning tournaments. In speedrunning, players attempt to complete a game or achieve an objective as quickly as possible, often utilizing glitches, bugs, and precise, pixel-perfect movement to their advantage. Speedrunning is considered an esport, and it is unique as one of the few single-player esports avenues.
Games Done Quick was founded in 2010 and hosts two main events annually: Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ), which takes place in January, and Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ), which occurs each July. GDQ chooses a different charity each year to donate proceeds to. For example, it has fundraised for the Prevent Cancer Foundation and the Organization for Autism Research. During its lifespan, GDQ has raised over 54 million USD for charity, all while breaking in-game records and entertaining fans.
Attendees don’t have to be athletes to join in on the fun — the gathering includes plenty of fan interaction and gaming-themed activities. GDQ also encourages viewers to tune in on Twitch for a subathon.
What do you mean #SGDQ2025 starts in 6 days????!!!?!https://t.co/C4ZWLIEi7J pic.twitter.com/tlY3LPaqdH
— Games Done Quick 🔜 #SGDQ2025 (@GamesDoneQuick) June 30, 2025
Summer Games Done Quick 2025 is returning on Sunday, July 6 2025. The convention will last a full week and is set to include a mix of classic speedrunning titles and new releases. Nintendo‘s recent Switch 2 exclusive launch, Mario Kart World, will appear alongside Balatro, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and other games. The convention will take place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the Hilton Minneapolis Downtown.
SGDQ 2025’s charity of choice is Doctors Without Borders. This group works internationally to provide relief from disease, natural disasters and conflict. In 2024, Summer Games Done Quick raised over 2.5 million USD for the organization.
Our first ever Artist Alley is set up and ready to go!!! 🎉
Artists and game devs will have booths right outside the stream room for you to shop and demo games!
When: Sun – Tues and Thurs – Sat from 10 AM to 5 PM
Learn more about who’s going: https://t.co/RwPln32Yyk pic.twitter.com/MCKMbftvud
— Games Done Quick 🔜 #SGDQ2025 (@GamesDoneQuick) July 2, 2025
This year’s SGDQ includes an artist alley where attendees can purchase merch and collectibles. In addition, indie game developers will have dedicated booths to promote their studios.
Related Article: Mario Kart World Reviews are In: Praise for Open World and New Mechanics
Before we cover the Summer Games Done Quick 2025 schedule, here are several important notes:
Now, let’s recap the convention’s main tournaments, including every game featured at the 2025 event. Here’s a list separated by day (all dates are in East Coast US Time (EDT).
Sunday, July 6
Monday, July 7
Tuesday, July 8
Wednesday, July 9
Thursday, July 10
Friday, July 11
Saturday, July 12
Sunday, July 13
A detailed schedule with time zone conversion and event categories is available here at GDQ’s website.
Speedrunners and esports fans can watch Summer Games Done Quick 2025 on Twitch at twitch.tv/gamesdonequick. The convention also has a YouTube channel, @gamesdonequick, which will also livestream tournaments and post VODs after they conclude.
