The SpeeDons 2025 event has once again proven to be a monumental success, raising over 2.2 million euros for Médecins du Monde, marking the fifth iteration of this popular charity speedrun event. Held from February 27 to March 2, 2025, at the Centre des Congrès de Lyon, the event attracted gaming enthusiasts both on-site and online, showcasing the incredible power of community and generosity.
With total donations amounting to €2,231,146, SpeeDons 2025 has set a new record, surpassing last year's total of €2,066,663. This achievement brings the cumulative amount raised by SpeeDons over the past five years to nearly €7 million, assisting Médecins du Monde, which provides invaluable medical care to the most vulnerable populations around the world.
Organized by the well-known streamer MisterMV (Xavier Dang), SpeeDons has become more than just a gaming marathon. During the four-day event, participants performed various speedruns on popular and quirky titles, ranging from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Mario 64 to Doom II and Barbie. The highlight was undoubtedly the breathtaking performance of Super Mario 64 completed blindfolded, which left the audience astonished.
Throughout the event, viewers enjoyed live commentary from popular streamers, providing insight and entertainment, as more than 3,000 attendees filled the amphitheater, cheering for the performers. The event was streamed on platforms like Twitch, allowing even more fans to participate and donate from the comfort of their homes. The sense of camaraderie and excitement was palpable as players raced against the clock to achieve record times.
MisterMV took the stage several times to commend the work of Médecins du Monde, emphasizing the importance of the event's humanistic values. He reflected on the current social climate, noting, "When the world tends to tighten up, it’s perhaps regular to be more assertive about charity events," highlighting the relevance of addressing pressing social issues.
The event not only entertained the crowd but also showcased the necessity of action against rising extremism and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Jean-François Corty, president of Médecins du Monde, joined MisterMV on stage to speak about the work the organization has been doing, emphasizing how funds raised through SpeeDons are utilized for emergency healthcare and outreach initiatives.
Various fundraising approaches were employed at SpeeDons 2025, including sales of themed t-shirts, art auctions, and lots of quirky prizes. These efforts demonstrated the creativity and generosity of the community, giving participants several reasons to contribute. With this year's total, Médecins du Monde will continue its mission of providing medical aid within areas hit by crises.
Throughout the weekend, gamers showcased remarkable skill and resilience, completing games not only under normal circumstances but also utilizing innovative strategies like exploiting glitches. Gamers celebrated finishing Mario 64 blindfolded, described using the game's music and sound cues to navigate, which left many audience members awe-struck.
Reflecting on the event's broader impact, MisterMV expressed pride in the community’s spirit, reinforcing how SpeeDons allowed players to unite for social justice, inclusivity, and compassion at such times when these values are more necessary than ever. His sentiments were echoed throughout the weekend, with many participants bringing attention to various social causes, from LGBTQ+ rights to anti-racism initiatives. Audience members were encouraged to support not just the event but the causes underlying it.
The success of SpeeDons highlights the growing trend of charity gaming events, particularly through the participation of high-profile content creators who engage large audiences. This year, for the first time, SpeeDons was restreamed across different languages, including English and German channels, broadening its reach and impact.
Looking forward, the team behind SpeeDons is already planning for the sixth edition next year, with many fans hopeful for continued growth and more substantial contributions. The community's enthusiasm, bolstered by returning participants and new supporters alike, signifies a promising future for SpeeDons as it builds on this year's phenomenal success.
Finally, highlights of the event are available on SpeeDons' official YouTube channel, allowing fans who couldn't attend to relive the excitement. Donations to Médecins du Monde remain open on their official website, encouraging continual support for their missions. With SpeeDons cementing its place within the charity event calendar, it seems the gaming community is yet again proving how impactful their collective efforts can be.