Games Done Quick will host its first event in Europe at Gamescom, running from August 28 to 30, 2026. The three-day speedrunning showcase, titled Gamescom GDQ, aims to raise funds for Gaming for Democracy. European speedrunners can submit entries starting May 4.
Gamescom, the major German games trade show, has added a special Games Done Quick (GDQ) speedrunning event to its 2026 program. Scheduled for August 28 to 30, the event marks GDQ's debut in Europe. Daily sessions will run from 10am to approximately 8pm CEST, allowing on-site attendance by Gamescom visitors and online viewing via GDQ's Twitch and YouTube channels. Runner submissions open on May 4 through the GDQ website, with the full schedule to be revealed later. Gamescom GDQ supports Gaming for Democracy, a partnership initiative with Bertelsmann Stiftung and Stiftung Digitale Spielekultur that promotes civic engagement and democratic values through gaming. This aligns with GDQ's history of charity fundraising; since 2010, the organization has raised over $60 million for various causes worldwide. Ashley Farkas, owner and business director at Games Done Quick, expressed enthusiasm for the expansion. > 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. Stefan Heikhaus, head of Gamescom and events at game, highlighted the synergy. > 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. Added to this is the social commitment.
