Games Done Quick to Host First Ever European Event at Gamescom 2026 with Three Days of Live Speedrunning for Charity

Games Done Quick (GDQ) will stage its first European event during Gamescom 2026 in Cologne, Germany, streaming three days of live speedruns to benefit the Gaming for Democracy initiative. The event marks GDQ’s debut on the continent and expands participation beyond its traditional US base.

Games Done Quick, the globally renowned charity speedrunning organiser, has confirmed its inaugural European appearance as part of Gamescom 2026, to be held in Cologne, Germany. This landmark partnership will see GDQ running live programming for three consecutive days during the expo, with all sessions broadcast globally on Twitch and YouTube.

Since launching in 2010, Games Done Quick has raised over $60 million for charities including Doctors Without Borders, Prevent Cancer Foundation, Malala Fund, and Race Forward, making it one of the most impactful events in charity gaming. Gamescom GDQ will be the first time the event takes place outside the United States, directly engaging European audiences and speedrunners.

Event Details: Gamescom GDQ 2026

• Location: Gamescom, Cologne, Germany
• Dates: August 2026, during the main Gamescom event (exact dates TBA)
• Duration: Three days of live speedrun programming
• Streaming platforms: Twitch and YouTube
• Runner submissions open: May 4, at gamesdonequick.com
• Charity beneficiary: Gaming for Democracy, in partnership with Bertelsmann Stiftung and Stiftung Digitale Spielekultur

The curated schedule will showcase speedruns by top players from around the world, aiming to celebrate gaming skill, community, and charitable impact. For the first time, a significant number of European speedrunners will be able to participate live without needing to travel to the United States.

Official Statements Highlight Community Impact

Ashley Farkas, owner of Games Done Quick, commented:

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.

This focus on inclusivity is underscored by Gamescom Director Tim Endres, who said:

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. Games Done Quick and Gamescom are a perfect match: Here, it becomes clear what makes gaming so special: the sense of community, the passion, the competition, but also simply the joy of playing games and creatively pushing the boundaries of the rules.

The chosen charity for this new European event is Gaming for Democracy, a joint project with Bertelsmann Stiftung and Stiftung Digitale Spielekultur. This initiative supports civic engagement and democratic values through video game culture, signalling that Gamescom GDQ will blend speedrunning entertainment with significant social impact.

Games Done Quick’s Global Milestone

Hosting at Gamescom signifies a transformative step for Games Done Quick, cementing its status as the world’s pre-eminent charity speedrunning marathon. The event will allow new talent from across Europe to participate, foster cross-continental community building, and serve as a high-profile showcase for both the art of speedrunning and the positive influence of gaming.

• GDQ has raised over $60 million since 2010, benefitting global charities.
• Gamescom 2026 marks the first GDQ event live in Europe, expanding access and participation.
• Runner submissions open May 4, with a focus on international representation.

Gamescom, held annually in Cologne, is recognised as the largest gaming event in Europe and a major platform for industry announcements, community events, and cultural initiatives. By bringing GDQ’s internationally streamed format into this context, both organisations seek to enhance the scope of live speedrunning and its charitable legacy.

For more details or to submit a speedrun proposal, visit gamesdonequick.com from May 4.