Most-Watched Speedruns on Twitch: What Makes Them So Popular?

30 August 2025

Let’s talk speedrunning. You’ve probably stumbled across it on Twitch at least once (or maybe a dozen times), right? It’s that ridiculously entertaining part of gaming where players race through a game at breakneck speed, defying all odds and sometimes common logic. But why does it feel like we just can’t stop watching these runs? What makes speedrunning one of the most-watched and beloved genres on Twitch? Buckle up, because we’re diving right in.

What Exactly Is a Speedrun?

Alright, first off, let’s break it down for anyone new to the concept. A speedrun is a playthrough of a game where the goal is to complete it as fast as humanly possible (or sometimes faster, thanks to glitches and crazy tricks). It’s not just a casual stroll through Mushroom Kingdom or Hyrule; it’s a cutthroat race against the clock, often involving years of practice and a ton of technical know-how.

Speedruns come in all shapes and sizes—some are glitch-free, called "Any% No Glitches," while others purposely exploit bugs, like clipping through walls, to save precious seconds. Wanna finish The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time in under 20 minutes? There's a speedrun for that. Speedrunning is like a game within the game, and Twitch is where these jaw-dropping feats get to shine.

Why Are Speedruns So Addictive To Watch?

1. The Thrill of High-Stakes Gaming

Let’s be real—watching a good speedrun is like watching an action movie. Except instead of explosions and car chases, you’re on the edge of your seat as someone fights against invisible timers. One wrong move, one mistimed jump, and it’s game over. There's something magnetic about that high-pressure atmosphere, right? It’s as if speedrunners are tightrope walkers, balancing between brilliance and disaster.

Viewers can’t help but root for the streamer. You’re in it with them, holding your breath during nerve-wracking sections, and celebrating their success with a resounding “PogChamp” in the chat. It's pure adrenaline, but for gamers.

2. The Absolute Mastery

Speedrunners are like gaming ninjas. The level of skill and precision they bring to the table is awe-inspiring. Imagine playing your favorite game over and over again until you’ve memorized every enemy spawn, hidden shortcut, and obscure glitch. Sounds exhausting, right? But these legends do it—not just for personal satisfaction but to shatter records and entertain viewers worldwide.

Watching a speedrunner cruise through sections of a game you used to struggle with as a kid is oddly satisfying. It’s like watching someone effortlessly solve a Rubik’s Cube while you’re still figuring out how to peel off the stickers.

3. Twitch Chat Makes It Interactive

Let’s not forget the magic of Twitch chat. Watching a speedrun feels like a communal experience. The chat explodes with memes, cheers, and collective gasps during tough sections. It’s like sitting in a theater with thousands of others, reacting to each twist and turn.

And if you’ve ever hung out during Games Done Quick (GDQ), a charity event featuring marathon speedruns, you already know how electric the atmosphere can get. The hype is real, and the community is everything.

4. The Nostalgia Factor

Speedruns often feature retro games—titles like Super Mario 64, Sonic the Hedgehog, and The Legend of Zelda. For a lot of us, these games defined our childhoods. Watching them being torn apart in record time is equal parts nostalgia trip and jaw-dropper.

You might catch yourself going, “Wait, how are they skipping that level? I didn’t even know you could do that!” Speedrunning brings new life to old classics, letting us view them through an entirely different lens.

5. The Oh-So-Satisfying Glitches

Ah, the glitches. Speedrunners are basically treasure hunters, searching for any exploit that’ll shave off seconds—or even minutes—from a game’s runtime. Have you seen tricks like clipping through walls or wrong-warping to another level? It’s borderline sorcery.

Sometimes, the glitches are flat-out hilarious. Picture Mario moonwalking across a platform or Link zipping across a dungeon at light speed—how can you not laugh? These moments not only make for entertaining watching but also remind us that games, no matter how polished, are still imperfect in the best way.

6. Breaking Records Feels Like a Group Achievement

There’s something universally thrilling about breaking records, even if you’re just a bystander. When a speedrunner crushes their personal best or sets a world record, the celebration is infectious. It’s like watching a sprinter break the 100m dash record—except this time, it’s someone saving five seconds by perfectly nailing a boss skip.

The best part? Streamers often interact with viewers after their runs, explaining the techniques they used. This transparency makes the audience feel like they’re part of the action.

The Games That Dominate Speedrunning on Twitch

While there are countless games speedrunners tackle, some have risen to god-tier status on Twitch. Why? Because they’re either insanely fun to watch or have mechanics that allow for insane stunts. Here are a few favorites:

1. Super Mario 64

Ah, the OG of speedrunning. Everyone has seen videos of Mario sliding backward up stairs faster than physics should allow. The mix of nostalgia, tight controls, and wildly creative glitches makes this game a fan favorite.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Another classic. Speedrunners have found insane tricks to bypass entire sections of the game, like skipping straight to the final boss. If you thought this game was magical as a kid, wait until you see it being completed in under 20 minutes.

3. Minecraft

No, Minecraft isn’t just for casual builders. Speedrunners race to defeat the Ender Dragon as fast as possible, often relying on RNG (random number generation) and game-breaking mechanics. It’s chaotic, unpredictable, and hilarious.

4. Celeste

This indie darling is perfect for speedruns due to its tight controls and stylish platforming. Watching someone zip through levels with pixel-perfect jumps is strangely mesmerizing.

5. Dark Souls Series

Dark Souls is notorious for being punishingly hard, so watching someone tear through it unscathed? Chef’s kiss. The "no hit" and speedrun categories for this series are some of the most intense streams you’ll ever see.

What Keeps the Viewers Coming Back?

The Community Is Everything

Speedrunning isn’t just about the runs; it’s about the people. There are forums, Discord servers, and entire Twitch communities built around speedrunning. These spaces are full of dedicated fans who analyze every frame of a game to figure out how to go faster. The cooperation and camaraderie are part of what makes speedrunning so special.

The Ever-Evolving Meta

Speedrunning is dynamic. New strategies, glitches, and techniques are discovered all the time, meaning no record is truly “safe.” This constant evolution keeps viewers coming back to see what’s new. It’s like watching a sport where the playing field is always shifting.

Is Speedrunning for Everyone?

Not necessarily. Some people might prefer more laid-back streams or games played at a normal pace. But even if you’re not personally interested in attempting a speedrun, it’s impossible to deny the entertainment value of watching someone absolutely shred a game in minutes.

Speedrunning is a mix of nostalgia, skill, and adrenaline, with a sprinkle of chaotic energy. Whether you’re a die-hard Twitch fan or a casual viewer, it’s worth hopping into a speedrun stream at least once. Who knows—you might find yourself glued to the screen, cheering on a random streamer as they pull off the impossible.

Final Thoughts

Speedrunning isn’t just about being fast—it’s about pushing the limits of what’s possible in gaming. It’s a combination of passion, practice, and a touch of insanity, and it’s so much fun to watch. Twitch has become the ultimate platform for speedrunners to share their skills with the world, and the fans just can’t get enough.

So, the next time you’re scrolling through Twitch and see a speedrun on the front page, click it. You might discover your new favorite genre of gaming content.