Games Done Quick: first European event during Gamescom 2026

Games Done Quick (GDQ), the well-known organization that hosts speedrunning events for various charities, has announced that it will host its first event in Europe. This special event, called Gamescom GDQ, will take place from August 28 to 30, 2026, during Gamescom in Cologne, Germany.

Event details

Gamescom GDQ promises three days of exciting speedruns, with programming starting daily at 10:00 a.m. CEST and running until around 8:00 p.m. CEST. Gamescom attendees will be able to watch the event live at Koelnmesse, while viewers around the world can follow the action via GDQ’s official Twitch and YouTube channels.

The event marks a unique opportunity for Europe’s speedrunning community to shine and will also allow for live interactions with the audience.

Charity and fundraising

Proceeds from Gamescom GDQ will benefit Gaming for Democracy, a recently founded organization focused on promoting civic engagement and democratic values through gaming culture. This is the first time GDQ has raised money for this cause. Since its founding in 2010, GDQ has raised more than $60 million for various charities, including the Prevent Cancer Foundation and Doctors Without Borders.

Preliminary schedule

The exact details of the event will be announced at a later date, but runners from across Europe are invited to sign up to participate. Registration opens on May 4, and GDQ expects strong interest from speedrunners eager to showcase their skills.

Timeline

2026-04-28: Announcement of Games Done Quick’s first event in Europe, titled 'Gamescom GDQ'.
2026-04-28: Details revealed for the event dates, taking place from August 28 to 30.
2026-05-04: Registration opens for runners to participate in the event.

The GDQ team is excited about this expansion into Europe and sees the partnership with Gamescom as a great opportunity to celebrate the speed and creativity of the gaming community. The combination of gaming and a good cause promises to make for an inspiring event for both participants and spectators.

Games Done Quick has a long history of successful events and fundraising, and it is especially notable to see that tradition continue in Europe as well. By bringing together the audience and the gaming community, GDQ also hopes to boost the local speedrunning scene.