Awesome Games Done Quick 2025 Raises Over $2.5 Million for the Prevent Cancer Foundation

From January 5th to 13th, Awesome Games Done Quick 2025 (AGDQ 2025) once again proved to be a powerhouse of both gaming excellence and charitable impact, raising over $2.5 million for the Prevent Cancer Foundation—a record-breaking total that surpasses the 2024 event by more than $100,000.

This year’s marathon, hosted in Pittsburgh, was a vibrant celebration of speedrunning culture, featuring high-octane runs across genres and eras—from Pikmin on the Nintendo Switch, to iconic classics like Super Metroid and Crazy Taxi. The event kicked off with a stunning under-an-hour completion of Pikmin by speedrunner Ray0ken, setting the tone for an unforgettable week.

A Record-Breaking Fundraising Effort

The Prevent Cancer Foundation, AGDQ’s long-standing charitable partner, continues to benefit from the community’s generosity. With this year’s haul, the total amount raised by GDQ events for the foundation now exceeds $26 million—a testament to the lasting impact of the Games Done Quick movement.

The foundation’s mission centers on:

• Early cancer detection
• Prevention initiatives
• Funding groundbreaking research
• Educational outreach to empower communities

Each year, GDQ’s marathons not only showcase the creativity and skill of the global speedrunning community but also drive real-world change through massive fundraising.

The Unforgettable Crazy Taxi Run

One of the most talked-about moments of AGDQ 2025 was a 18-minute speedrun of Crazy Taxi by Chuckles825. Known for its energetic, licensed soundtrack, the game normally poses challenges for streamers due to copyright restrictions—especially on platforms like Twitch.

But at AGDQ 2025, the team went all in. A live band performed real-time covers of the game’s iconic tracks, perfectly synced to the on-screen action. The result was a dazzling fusion of music, gameplay, and audience energy that captivated viewers worldwide.

This single run raised over $24,000 in donations—showcasing how innovation and creativity can amplify impact in real time.

Heart-Pounding Grand Finale

The event concluded in dramatic fashion with a randomized, four-player race in Super Metroid—a game beloved for its precision and challenge. The final stretch was nail-biting: Eddie and Andy crossed the finish line just one second apart, sparking cheers across the live audience and chat.

Looking Ahead: Summer Games Done Quick 2025

The GDQ community will regroup this summer for Summer Games Done Quick 2025, set to take place July 6th in Minneapolis. This year’s event will support Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières), continuing GDQ’s tradition of using gaming to help those in need across the globe.

In Summary:

• ✅ $2.5M+ raised for Prevent Cancer Foundation in AGDQ 2025
• ✅ $100K+ increase from 2024
• 🔥 18-minute Crazy Taxi run raised $24,000+ with a live band
• 🏆 Final Super Metroid race ended in a photo-finish
• 🌍 Total GDQ charity funds for Prevent Cancer Foundation: Over $26 million

The 2025 Games Done Quick events once again proved that gaming isn’t just entertainment—it’s a force for good, driving innovation, community, and life-saving change.

Stay tuned. The next run could change a life.