The seventh day of July may mark the end of the Independence Day holiday for many, but for the speedrunning community, it signals the beginning of a different kind of fireworks display. Summer Games Done Quick 2026 has officially launched, bringing together the world’s most talented speedrunners for a week-long marathon of record-setting runs, community camaraderie, and charitable fundraising. As in years past, the event is being broadcast live from Minneapolis, Minnesota, with all proceeds directed to Doctors Without Borders. For fans of high-level gameplay and esoteric glitch exploitation, the next seven days represent one of the most anticipated live events on the gaming calendar.
Summer Games Done Quick 2026: A Week of Speedrunning for Charity
Now in its annual summer iteration, Summer Games Done Quick 2026 is streaming around the clock on both Twitch and YouTube, offering viewers a curated selection of speedruns spanning decades of gaming history. The event kicked off this morning with a pre-show at 9:30 AM PT, followed immediately by the first full run at 10:00 AM PT. Organizers have published the complete Day 1 schedule, which runs through the early hours of July 8 and features 16 distinct runs, each chosen for its entertainment value, technical difficulty, or community significance. The full schedule is available on the Games Done Quick website, though viewers should note that start times are approximate and may shift depending on how actual run durations deviate from their estimates.
Day 1 Schedule Highlights: From Donkey Kong Country 2 to Absolum
The opening day of Summer Games Done Quick 2026 offers a diverse lineup that balances nostalgic classics with modern titles. The full schedule, as published by Games Done Quick, is as follows:
| Time (All Times PT) | Game | Run | Runner(s) | Target Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:30 AM | Pre-Show | — | — | 30:00 |
| 10:00 AM | Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest | 102% – SNES | Ryan Ford | 1:38:00 |
| 11:48 AM | The Talos Principle | All Sigils – PC | Gelly | 42:00 |
| 12:55 PM | Fire Emblem: Three Houses | Blue Lions NG+ (Azure Moon) – Switch 2 | GretaIceVixen | 1:22:00 |
| 2:32 PM | I Am Your Beast | All Story Levels (100%) – PC | Flyingludicolo | 1:06:00 |
| 4:05 PM | Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition | NG (Human) – PS5 | DECosmic | 1:20:00 |
| 5:43 PM | Castlevania: Symphony of the Night | Any% (Luck Mode) – Xbox 360 | Dr4gonBlitz | 20:00 |
| 6:13 PM | Kirby Air Riders | Air Ride All Tracks – Switch 2 | Bluekandy | 40:00 |
| 7:16 PM | Crypt of the NecroDancer: Synchrony | Story Mode – PC | Spooty | 40:00 |
| 8:06 PM | Spyro: Year of the Dragon & Spyro Reignited Trilogy | Spyro 3 Race – PC + PS2 | Toronite, Dereklander | 1:00:00 |
| 9:24 PM | No More Heroes | Any% NG+ (Bitter) – Switch | Matty Ice | 1:40:00 |
| 11:14 PM | Supraland | Any% Glitchless – PC | Delphi | 50:00 |
| 12:15 AM | Thirsty Suitors | Any% – PC | Mochajones10 | 1:25:00 |
| 1:48 AM | Snowboard Kids | Copper Pass Race – N64 | McGyna, Arianafan420 | 40:00 |
| 2:36 AM | Death’s Door | True Ending (Restricted) – PC | TFT | 1:36:00 |
| 4:20 AM | Absolum | Co-Op Warpless – PC | threepup, ProfessorBurtch | 40:00 |
| 5:08 AM | Blue Fire | Any% (NMG) – PC | Lunisara | 55:00 |
Among the standout runs on Day 1, three in particular deserve special attention from viewers, whether they are longtime speedrun enthusiasts or newcomers curious about the craft.
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest (10:00 AM PT)
This is not the first time Donkey Kong Country 2 has appeared in a Games Done Quick marathon, nor is it the first time it has served as an opening run. However, it is the first time in recent memory that the event has featured a full 102% completion run. This category demands that the runner collect every single item, bonus coin, and secret in the game, including a complete sweep of the notoriously difficult Lost World. Ryan Ford, the runner assigned to this daunting task, will need to demonstrate precise platforming and encyclopedic knowledge of the game’s hidden content. For fans of 16-bit platformers, this run is likely to set a strong tone for the week ahead.
Kirby Air Riders (6:13 PM PT)
One of the most anticipated runs of the day is the mainline Games Done Quick debut of Kirby Air Riders, the acclaimed racing game released last year. Runner Bluekandy will attempt to clear all tracks in the Air Ride mode within a 40-minute window. Given the game’s emphasis on momentum and track memorization, the run promises to be a fast-paced showcase of what many consider one of the best racing titles in recent memory. For viewers who missed the game upon its release, this run offers a compelling introduction to its mechanics and visual style.
Absolum (4:20 AM PT)
Late-night viewers and early risers alike should take note of the 4:20 AM PT slot, which features Absolum, a co-op roguelike beat ’em up published by Dotemu. The run features two players, threepup and ProfessorBurtch, working together in a warpless co-op category. Absolum earned strong reviews upon its release, and its inclusion in the SGDQ lineup reflects a growing trend of co-op roguelikes receiving mainstream speedrun attention. Because the run occurs in the early hours for West Coast audiences, viewers may want to set an alarm or plan to catch the VOD shortly after the broadcast concludes.
How to Watch Summer Games Done Quick 2026
The entire marathon is being streamed live on the Games Done Quick Twitch channel, and viewers can also find the broadcast on the event’s YouTube channel. The embedded player below provides a direct feed of the action for those who prefer to watch on site:
For those who cannot watch live, all runs are archived on YouTube shortly after they air. Given the event’s charity focus, viewers are also encouraged to donate directly through the official Games Done Quick donation page, with all proceeds benefiting Doctors Without Borders.
What Is a Speedrun, and Why Does It Matter for Charity?
A speedrun is a play-through of a video game completed as quickly as possible, often using glitches, sequence breaks, and advanced techniques to bypass normal gameplay constraints. Speedruns are typically categorized by rulesets — such as Any%, which allows any glitch to reach the credits, or 100%, which requires full completion of all objectives. Events like Summer Games Done Quick elevate this hobby into a spectator sport, combining live commentary, community interaction, and real-time fundraising. Since its inception, Games Done Quick has raised tens of millions of dollars for charitable organizations, making it one of the most successful charity gaming events in the world.
The Broader Significance of SGDQ 2026
Summer Games Done Quick has grown far beyond its origins as a small gathering of enthusiasts. The event now commands a global audience, with millions of live views across streaming platforms and substantial media coverage. For the speedrunning community, it represents the annual pinnacle of visibility and collaboration. For the broader gaming industry, it serves as a reminder of the depth and dedication that exists within the player base — a testament to how games can be recontextualized as performance art. This year’s event, running through Saturday, July 11, is poised to continue that tradition, blending technical mastery with a spirit of generosity that defines the best of what gaming culture has to offer.
