Where is gdq held

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Games Done Quick (GDQ) events are held at rotating locations across the United States, primarily in convention centers and hotels. Recent events include Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ) 2024 at the Hilton Washington Dulles Airport Hotel in Herndon, Virginia, and Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ) 2023 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington in Minnesota. The organization selects venues based on capacity, streaming infrastructure, and accessibility for participants and attendees.

Key Facts

Games Done Quick (GDQ) was founded in 2010 and has raised over $50 million for charity through speedrunning marathons
Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ) is typically held in January, while Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ) occurs in June or July
GDQ events have been hosted in states including Virginia, Minnesota, Florida, and Ohio since 2011
The largest GDQ event to date was AGDQ 2023, which raised over $2.6 million for the Prevent Cancer Foundation
GDQ streams are broadcast live on Twitch, attracting peak viewership of over 200,000 concurrent viewers during major events

Overview

Games Done Quick (GDQ) is a series of charity speedrunning marathons that have become a cornerstone of gaming culture since their inception in 2010. Founded by speedrunners Mike Uyama and Ryan Lockwood, GDQ events feature skilled players completing video games as quickly as possible while raising money for charitable organizations. The marathons typically last 7-10 days, with continuous live streaming that attracts global audiences. Over the years, GDQ has evolved from small gatherings to major productions with professional production values and international recognition.

The location of GDQ events has shifted multiple times throughout its history, reflecting the organization's growth and logistical needs. Early events were held in private residences and small venues, but as popularity surged, GDQ moved to convention centers and large hotels capable of accommodating hundreds of participants and staff. This geographical mobility allows GDQ to optimize for factors like venue costs, local infrastructure, and accessibility for the speedrunning community. The rotating locations also help distribute the economic and community benefits across different regions of the United States.

How It Works

GDQ events operate through a complex coordination of venue selection, participant management, and technological infrastructure.

Venue Selection Process: GDQ organizers typically announce event locations 6-12 months in advance, with selection criteria including capacity for 500+ attendees, robust internet connectivity for streaming (requiring upload speeds exceeding 100 Mbps), and proximity to major airports. For example, the Hilton Washington Dulles Airport Hotel chosen for AGDQ 2024 offers over 100,000 square feet of event space and dedicated fiber optic connections.
Event Scheduling and Structure: GDQ marathons follow a meticulously planned schedule with games grouped into blocks (such as RPG, platformer, or retro blocks) lasting 2-4 hours each. Each event features 150-200 different game runs, with transitions managed by a production team of 50+ staff members. Setup begins 3-4 days before the marathon, with technical rehearsals ensuring seamless streaming.
Participant Logistics: Speedrunners apply through a submission system months in advance, with approximately 15-20% acceptance rates for major events. Accepted participants receive travel stipends (typically $500-800) and hotel accommodations, while volunteers (numbering 200-300 per event) handle operations like crowd control, donation processing, and technical support.
Technological Infrastructure: GDQ events utilize multiple redundant internet connections, professional broadcasting equipment (including 10+ camera setups), and custom software for donation tracking and schedule management. The production requires 15-20 dedicated streaming PCs and backup generators to maintain 24/7 operation during the marathon.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ)	Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ)
Typical Timing	Early January (7-10 day event)	Late June/Early July (7-10 day event)
Primary Charity Beneficiary	Prevent Cancer Foundation (since 2011)	Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (since 2011)
Average Attendance	800-1,200 participants and staff	700-1,000 participants and staff
Recent Venue Examples	Hilton Washington Dulles Airport Hotel, Herndon, VA (2024)	DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington, MN (2023)
Historical Fundraising Range	$1.2-2.6 million per event (2018-2023)	$1.5-3.0 million per event (2018-2023)

Why It Matters

Charitable Impact: GDQ events have raised over $50 million for charitable organizations since 2010, with individual marathons regularly exceeding $2 million. This funding supports critical initiatives like cancer prevention research through the Prevent Cancer Foundation and emergency medical care through Doctors Without Borders, directly improving lives worldwide.
Community Building: GDQ locations serve as gathering points for the global speedrunning community, fostering connections between runners, developers, and fans. The events provide networking opportunities that have led to collaborative projects, mentorship relationships, and the preservation of gaming history through documented speedrun techniques.
Economic and Cultural Influence: Host cities benefit from tourism revenue estimated at $1-2 million per event, while GDQ's streaming presence (with 200,000+ peak concurrent viewers) showcases gaming as a legitimate entertainment and competitive pursuit. The events have inspired similar charity marathons in Europe, Australia, and Asia, creating a global network of gaming philanthropy.

Looking forward, GDQ's location strategy will likely continue evolving with hybrid virtual/in-person formats and potential international expansion. As streaming technology advances and the speedrunning community grows, these events will remain vital hubs for charitable giving, competitive gaming, and cultural exchange. The careful selection of venues ensures GDQ can maintain its record-breaking fundraising while providing unforgettable experiences for participants and viewers alike.