Speedrunning Marathon Closes With $2.6M Raised and a Founder’s Goodbye

Last updated: October 12, 2026

Games Done Quick wrapped its first speedrunning marathon of 2023, and the numbers are in. According to reports, the event raised $2.6 million for the Prevent Cancer Foundation. That figure falls short of the $3.4 million haul from last year's event, but it still represents a massive display of community support. The total amount raised across all GDQ events now sits at approximately $43 million.

This year's event also marked a transitional moment behind the scenes. Founder Mike Oyama announced he would be stepping down after 13 years with the organization, citing health reasons. AGDQ 2023 was his last event for the foreseeable future.

At a Glance

• $2.6 million raised for the Prevent Cancer Foundation at AGDQ 2023
• $3.4 million was the figure from AGDQ 2022
• $43 million total raised by GDQ across all events to date
• Mike Oyama stepped down after 13 years as founder
• The event was supposed to be GDQ's first in-person gathering since 2020
• Florida was the originally planned venue
• GDQ cited COVID policy and "increased aggression" towards LGBTQ+ individuals when canceling the in-person plan

The In-Person That Wasn't

GDQ initially planned to hold its first in-person event since the pandemic, with Florida as the venue and a live audience. That plan was scrapped before the event. The organization cited COVID policy concerns and what it described as "increased aggression" towards LGBTQ+ individuals in the area. In a statement on its website, GDQ said it did "not believe this is a safe place for our community at this time," and the event remained online-only.

The decision highlights a tension that many gaming communities face. Large events bring energy and atmosphere that streams cannot replicate. But when the venue feels unwelcoming to portions of the audience, the calculus changes. GDQ chose to prioritize inclusion over spectacle. Whether that tradeoff resonates with donors remains an open question.

Our Analysis: What This Means for the Scene

The $43 million cumulative total is staggering when you consider it comes entirely from viewer donations during live broadcasts. No ticket sales, no corporate sponsorships, just gamers deciding to give money during a marathon of someone else's playthrough. That model has proven durable across thirteen years and shows no signs of collapsing.

The dip from $3.4 million to $2.6 million is worth noting. Several factors could explain it. The online-only format may have reduced donation urgency. Mike Oyama's announcement could have cast a shadow over fundraising segments. Or viewer fatigue with the same basic format could be setting in. GDQ has not broken down donations by segment or stream, so we are left to speculate.

Mike Oyama's departure adds an element of uncertainty. Thirteen years of institutional knowledge is hard to replace. The community will be watching to see how GDQ fills that gap and whether the organization's culture survives the transition. For now, the organization has confirmed both AGDQ and SGDQ remain on the calendar.

The $2.6 million figure also raises a practical question for the gaming community. When you donate to GDQ, you are funding cancer research through the Prevent Cancer Foundation. That is a concrete outcome, not a vague promise. Whether that cause resonates with you personally is something to consider before opening your wallet.

A Worked Example

Say you are a regular viewer who watches GDQ streams when your favorite games appear on the schedule. You have donated before but never thought much about the impact beyond the tax deduction. After hearing about Oyama's departure, you start wondering whether the event will feel the same without him steering things. You decide to tune in for SGDQ 2023 and watch a few runs. You notice the production quality looks solid and the chat is active. You decide to drop a $50 donation during a game you love. That $50 funds cancer prevention research and gets you a placeholder name in the donor list. It also signals to the organizers that the community still cares. Your $50 is part of the next milestone.

What to Watch Next

SGDQ 2023 is typically held in late June or early July. Watch for announcements about the format and whether GDQ attempts another in-person gathering or sticks with online-only. The speedrunning schedule for that event will also be worth monitoring, as community favorites often draw large donation spikes. Pay attention to who steps into leadership roles and how that affects event planning. And keep an eye on whether the donation total bounces back or continues sliding.

Key takeaways

• $2.6 million raised at AGDQ 2023, bringing lifetime GDQ donations to $43 million
• Founder Mike Oyama stepped down after 13 years, making this a transitional moment for the organization
• The event remained online-only despite initial plans for a live audience in Florida
• The year-over-year donation drop deserves attention; multiple factors could explain it
• SGDQ 2023 will be a key test of whether the community stays engaged through the leadership transition