Hey fellow speedrunners and gaming enthusiasts! If you're anything like me, you live for those nail-biting moments, the fractions of a second that separate a world record from a personal best. Games Done Quick (GDQ) events are the absolute pinnacle of this thrill, showcasing incredible skill and, more importantly, some of the most ridiculously close races imaginable. Today, we're diving deep into the Top 10 closest races that have graced the GDQ stage. Get ready for some heart-stopping action!
Introduction
Welcome back to GamingSpeedrun.com! If you've ever watched a GDQ marathon, you know the electrifying atmosphere. It’s not just about individual world records; it’s about the shared experience, the community coming together for charity, and witnessing peak human performance in gaming. But what truly sets the heart pounding are the races where two or more runners are neck-and-neck, pushing each other to absolute limits. These are the moments that define speedrunning history.
Why GDQ Races Are Special
GDQ events, whether it's AGDQ (Awesome Games Done Quick) or SGDQ (Summer Games Done Quick), are more than just speedruns. They are a celebration of gaming history, a testament to dedication, and a massive fundraising effort for charity. The energy from the crowd, the donation incentives, and the sheer pressure create a unique environment where incredible feats are not just possible, but expected. When two runners are vying for the same goal, often with only milliseconds between them, it’s pure magic.
The pressure at GDQ is unlike any other. You're not just running for yourself; you're running for the audience, for the charity, and for the history books. That's what makes these close races so incredibly compelling.
Defining "Closest"
When we talk about the "closest races," what do we really mean? It's not always just about the raw time difference. Sometimes it's about a race that went down to the wire in the final stretch, a close call with a dangerous glitch, or a surprising comeback. For this list, I've considered races where the final times were incredibly tight, often within a second or two, and where the outcome was genuinely in doubt until the very end. We're looking for those epic showdowns that had the chat and the commentators on the edge of their seats.
The Top 10 Countdown
Let's get to the heart of it. These are my picks for the most thrillingly close races that have unfolded at Games Done Quick. Remember, this is subjective, and there are countless other amazing races out there!
10. Super Mario 64 - 16 Star Race (Various GDQs)
While not always a two-person race, the 16-star category in Super Mario 64 is notoriously competitive. Seeing multiple runners execute precise strats, battling for the same second, is always a spectacle. The dives, the wall kicks, the BLJs – it's a masterclass in execution. You can find many examples of close calls in this category across different GDQ events.
9. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles - Any% (SGDQ 2017)
This race was a nail-biter! With multiple runners vying for the top spot, the differences in execution, especially on tricky levels like Hydrocity Zone or Marble Garden, made all the difference. The final seconds often came down to small optimizations and perfect button inputs. For fans of classic platformers and intense competition, this was a must-watch.
8. Ocarina of Time - Any% (AGDQ 2015)
The Any% category for Ocarina of Time is a speedrunning staple. In AGDQ 2015, we saw some incredibly tight runs. The Z-targeting, the bomb skips, the manipulation of RNG – it all comes together in a high-stakes performance. The difference between first and second could often be measured in mere frames, making every movement critical.
7. Celeste - Any% (AGDQ 2019)
Celeste is known for its demanding platforming, and seeing it done at a speedrunning level is breathtaking. The Any% category at AGDQ 2019 featured runners pushing the game's mechanics to their absolute limit. Precise movement, frame-perfect inputs, and quick thinking were essential. The final outcome was so close, it truly showed the dedication of the runners.
6. Punch-Out!! - Any% (AGDQ 2017)
Little Mac's journey is a test of pattern recognition and reflexes. In this Any% run, the competition was fierce. Each fighter is a puzzle, and solving them faster than anyone else requires immense skill. The final race was a masterclass in dodging, weaving, and landing those crucial punches, with the winner decided by a hair's breadth.
5. Super Metroid - Any% (AGDQ 2016)
Super Metroid speedruns are a ballet of exploration and glitch exploitation. The Any% category is particularly exciting because of the tight routing and the potential for huge time saves through well-executed sequences. In AGDQ 2016, we witnessed a race where runners were separated by the smallest of margins, showcasing incredible knowledge of the game's mechanics and a willingness to take risks.
Watching a Super Metroid run where everything clicks is like watching art in motion. When it's also a close race, it elevates the entire experience.
4. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night - Any% (AGDQ 2020)
This was a relatively newer title at the time, and the speedrunning community was already pushing its limits. The Any% run at AGDQ 2020 was incredibly exciting, with runners showcasing advanced techniques and routes. The final moments were incredibly tense, with the top contenders separated by mere seconds, proving that even modern games can produce legendary close races.
3. Mega Man 2 - Any% (AGDQ 2019)
The Blue Bomber's classic outing is a speedrunning favorite for a reason. Its tight controls and challenging bosses make for a thrilling spectacle. The Any% race at AGDQ 2019 was one for the ages. Runners battled through Dr. Wily's fortress with near-perfect execution, and the difference between victory and defeat was incredibly slim. The sheer memorization and reflex required are astounding.
2. Shovel Knight - Any% (AGDQ 2015)
Shovel Knight is a game that blends retro charm with modern design, and its speedruns are equally captivating. The Any% race at AGDQ 2015 was an absolute thriller. Runners navigated the treacherous platforming with incredible speed and precision. The final outcome was so close, it came down to the wire, leaving everyone breathless. This is a prime example of why `
Any% runs` are so popular.
1. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night - Any% (AGDQ 2018)
This race often comes up in discussions of the greatest GDQ moments, and for good reason. The Any% run of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night at AGDQ 2018 was an absolute war of attrition. Two runners, pushing each other to the absolute brink, with execution errors on both sides and incredible saves. The final minutes were some of the most tense moments in GDQ history, with the winner decided by the slimmest of margins after a marathon of skill and perseverance. It showcased the best of what the `
Castlevania` speedrunning community has to offer.
Honorable Mentions
It's impossible to cover every single close race. Some other categories and events that have featured incredibly tight finishes include:
* **Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest - Any%** (Always a competitive category!)
* **Super Mario Sunshine - Any%** (The water physics and movement tech make for exciting races.)
* **Half-Life 2 - Any%** (Executing complex skips and tricks under pressure.)
* **Spyro the Dragon - Any%** (Seeing the community constantly optimize routes leads to close races.)
The Thrill of the Chase
What makes these races so compelling is the raw human element. It’s the culmination of thousands of hours of practice, routing, and execution. It’s about pushing boundaries, not just of the game, but of human capability. Watching these runners perform under immense pressure, often with the world watching, is truly inspiring. These moments remind us why we fell in love with gaming and speedrunning in the first place. They embody the spirit of competition and the pursuit of perfection. The dedication seen in these `
Challenge Runs` is phenomenal.
Frequently Asked Questions
**Q1: What is the smallest time difference ever seen in a GDQ race?**
A1: While pinpointing the absolute smallest is difficult without a comprehensive database, many races have been decided by less than a tenth of a second, often coming down to a single frame. These micro-differences highlight the extreme level of precision involved.
**Q2: How do runners practice for such close races?**
A2: Runners practice extensively, often focusing on specific segments or "setups" that are critical for a fast time. They also analyze the runs of their competitors to identify areas where they can optimize or take calculated risks. Community knowledge, often shared on forums and Discord servers, is also vital.
**Q3: Are there specific games known for consistently close races at GDQ?**
A3: Yes, games with highly optimized routes, demanding execution, and a large competitive player base tend to produce closer races. Series like Super Mario, Sonic, Mega Man, and Metroid are frequently cited for their consistently competitive speedrunning scenes.
What are your favorite close races from GDQ history? Did I miss any crucial moments? Let me know in the comments below! The speedrunning community thrives on discussion, so share your thoughts, your favorite runners, and your own experiences with pushing for that perfect run. Until next time, keep practicing, keep optimizing, and happy speedrunning!
