Games Done Quick Will Be Featured at gamescom 2026 in Germany

For the first time in its 15-year history, Games Done Quick (GDQ), the extremely popular video game speedrunning community, will be headed to Europe. Announced just this morning, GDQ will be featured at gamescom 2026, the world's largest gaming convention and showcase.

gamescom isn't until late August of 2026, but it's never too early to start your planning. With GDQ now on board as well, there's more reason than ever to go check out gamescom, especially if you're already embedded in the speedrunning community.

gamescom proper runs from August 26-30 (with Opening Night Live on the 25th), but the GDQ event will not span the entire timeline of the main show. Still, it will be a lengthy three-day event from August 28-30, so attendees of gamescom will have plenty of chances to catch the speedrunning action live on stage.

For those entirely unfamiliar, GDQ is a wildly wholesome, consistently entertaining community that brings together the best video game speedrunners in the world to showcase their talents to thousands of fans across dozens of gaming fandoms. Most impressively, however, is the fact that GDQ is also an event that has raised tons of money for various charities since its inception as well.

Over the last 15 years, GDQ has raised over $60,000,000 for organizations like Doctors Without Borders and the Prevent Cancer Foundation. It's an amazing thing to watch gamers come together for things as important as these causes, and GDQ has been a constant stalwart leading the charge for real, tangible change in the world via video games. At gamescom 2026 specifically, GDQ will be raising money for Gaming for Democracy.

Ashley Farkas, Business Director and Owner of GDQ said, "We’re thrilled to expand Games Done Quick globally and to bring a live event to gamescom in Germany, an opportunity that’s incredibly meaningful to our team. This partnership not only supports an amazing initiative, but also creates space for more runners to participate, especially those who haven’t previously had the opportunity to travel to the US."

Additionally, Tim Endres, Director of gamescom added, "Speedrunning captivates millions of people around the world. We are therefore all the more excited to announce gamescom GDQ. This gives fans in Europe their first opportunity to experience this popular format live. At the same time, the event underscores gamescom’s importance not only in its leading role for the games industry and community, but also as a platform for social engagement."

How GDQ will take shape on the gamescom stage is still yet to be seen, as the game and runner lineups are still being sorted out. Still, we can be certain that gamescom GDQ will be jam-packed with exciting exhibitions from the best speedrunners in the world. Here's to hoping we see some world records and personal bests on the gamescom stage as well!

Additional Info for Runners and Viewers Alike

If you're a speedrunner yourself and are interested in getting in on the action at gamescom GDQ, you can actually apply for inclusion in the event beginning on May 4, 2026 at the gamescom website. Make sure you take a break from whittling down those time splits to actually go submit your name if you'd like to participate!

Runs at gamescom GDQ will begin around 10am CEST each of the three days of the event, and wrap up every night around 8pm CEST. Clearly, gamescom and GDQ are planning big things to fill that massive of a timeslot three days in a row. The runs will also be streamed on GDQ's Twitch and Youtube channels, so those who are unable to attend can still join in the fun as well.

As gamescom 2026 rolls closer, stay tuned for more details and information about both this new, exciting GDQ partnership, as well as more info about gamescom itself.