A new year has arrived, and for speedrunning enthusiasts, that familiar excitement is setting in: AGDQ officially kicks off this weekend. Awesome Games Done Quick 2026 has returned with a stellar lineup, featuring everything from the most celebrated GOTY contenders of the past year to an incredibly ambitious 70-player relay of a Nintendo classic.
The marathon begins on Sunday, January 4, at 8:30 am PT / 11:30 am ET with a 30-minute introductory showcase. The action starts immediately after with a Super Mario Sunshine any% run by inkstar, who is expected to blitz through the GameCube favorite in just 1 hour and 16 minutes. As is tradition, the event will span a full week, culminating on Saturday, January 10, with a “pick-my-main” Pokémon Emerald run by adef—a segment that likely leaves his team composition in the hands of the voting audience.
While the opening and closing acts are major draws, the official schedule is packed with dozens of other compelling reasons to tune in. Of particular note is a two-hour glitchless race through Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, our top pick for 2025. Other recent heavy hitters include an “all weapons” showcase of Hades 2 and a high-octane Donkey Kong Bananza run, the latter of which is a featured donation incentive.
For many, the highlight of any GDQ event is the community’s penchant for the absurd and experimental. Last year’s standout was a Crazy Taxi run accompanied by a live band; this year, the spotlight falls on a massive 70-star, 70-person relay of Super Mario 64. This collaborative effort aims to complete the iconic platformer in less than 1 hour and 40 minutes—the kind of coordinated chaos that defines the spirit of the event.
Fans can follow the marathon live via Twitch, while individual runs will be archived on the GDQ YouTube channel. AGDQ 2026 continues its long-standing mission to support the Prevent Cancer Foundation, having successfully raised over $2.5 million annually for the last three years.
In other speedrunning news, a dedicated Legend of Zelda runner recently pushed the limits of endurance, completing every 3D entry in the franchise back-to-back in under 90 hours—a feat made even more grueling with the inclusion of Tears of the Kingdom.
Source: gamesradar.com
