The Role of Practice in Speedrunning: Can Anyone Become the Best?

25 February 2026

Speedrunning is one of the most fascinating aspects of gaming culture. Whether you've stumbled across a mind-blowing run on YouTube or tuned into a live marathon like Games Done Quick, speedrunning showcases gamers pushing the limits of what’s possible. From glitching through walls to frame-perfect inputs, it’s like watching a magic trick where the magician shows you exactly how it’s done—and it’s still jaw-dropping.

But here’s the million-dollar question: is speedrunning something anyone can master with enough practice? Or are the top-tier runners just born with some innate “gamer gene” the rest of us plebs don’t have? Let’s break it down step by step (or, in speedrunning terms, frame by frame) and explore the role of practice in ascending to the top of this time-crunching sport.

What Is Speedrunning?

Before we dive into practice strategies and the potential to become the best, let's quickly define what speedrunning is—just in case you're new to the scene.

Speedrunning is the art (and science) of completing a video game as fast as possible. The twist? It’s rarely as straightforward as just playing the game normally but faster. Speedrunners dissect games to their very core. They exploit glitches, find shortcuts, and optimize every possible movement. For example, some runners beat The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time—a massive, story-rich game—in under 10 minutes. How? By performing a series of jaw-dropping tricks that break the game wide open.

Every speedrun falls into a specific “category,” such as:

- Any%: Finish the game as fast as possible, no matter the means (glitches galore!).
- 100%: Complete the game entirely, collecting every item or meeting specific in-game criteria.
- Glitchless: Play through fairly, without using game-breaking exploits.

The community is as diverse as the games they run, but they all share one thing in common: an obsession with shaving off seconds, or even milliseconds, from their personal best.

Why Practice Matters in Speedrunning

Speedrunning success doesn’t happen overnight. Nobody picks up a controller, fires up a game, and suddenly becomes a world record holder. Behind every jaw-dropping run is hours, days, or even years of relentless practice. But why exactly is practice so important?

1. Muscle Memory Is Everything

Speedruns rely heavily on muscle memory—automating complex sequences of button presses so you can execute them without even thinking. It’s like learning to play a song on the piano. At first, you have to concentrate on every note. But eventually, your fingers just... know what to do.

In speedrunning, this muscle memory can mean the difference between a flawless execution and a run-killing mistake. For example, in Super Mario 64, runners might need to nail the "Backward Long Jump" trick, which requires precise timing and input. If that move isn’t second nature, your run is toast.

2. Understanding RNG

RNG (Random Number Generation) is a speedrunner’s best friend and worst enemy. Many games include random elements, like enemy patterns, item drops, or critical hit chances. The more you practice, the more you'll learn to adapt to RNG or even manipulate it in your favor.

For example, in Pokémon runs, runners often manipulate RNG to ensure they catch certain Pokémon or land critical hits exactly when needed. Without practice, handling this randomness would feel like trying to juggle flaming swords while blindfolded.

3. Consistency Beats Luck

Every speedrunner has heard the phrase: “Luck favors the prepared.” Practice helps reduce the role of luck in your runs. Sure, a world record might require some favorable RNG, but you won't even get close if you can’t consistently execute the technical parts of a run. The more you practice, the fewer “random” mistakes you’ll make, paving the way for those perfect runs.

Can Anyone Become the Best at Speedrunning?

Now for the big question: Can anyone, with enough practice, become a top-tier speedrunner? The answer is... kind of. Let’s break it down.

1. Natural Talent vs. Dedication

Let’s be real—some people just have quicker reflexes, better hand-eye coordination, or a sharper sense of timing. These natural traits can give certain runners an edge, especially in games with high execution demands, like Celeste or Dark Souls. But raw talent will only take you so far. Dedication and persistence are the real game-changers.

Even if you’re not naturally “gifted,” speedrunning is still accessible. Many of the best runners started as average players who simply fell in love with the grind. They practiced relentlessly, studied techniques, and ran the same sections hundreds of times until they nailed them. If you’re willing to put in the time, you’ll improve. Period.

2. Time Investment

Here’s the kicker: being the best at speedrunning a specific game often comes down to how much time you’re willing to commit. Top speedrunners aren’t just talented—they’re also grinding for hours on end, often sacrificing other hobbies or commitments to perfect their craft. For some, that’s a dealbreaker.

Ask yourself: do you have the patience to spend weeks just improving a single trick? Would you play the same game for months without getting bored? If the answer is yes, you’ve already got the mindset of a speedrunner.

3. Community Support

Another factor is the community. Speedrunning is a collaborative effort. Runners share strategies, post tutorials, and even work together to discover new skips or glitches. Joining a supportive community can make all the difference in your progress. It’s not just about practice—it’s about practicing effectively, and that’s easier when you have others guiding you.

Strategies for Better Speedrunning Practice

So, how do you practice like a pro? Here are some tried-and-true methods:

1. Segment Practice

Don’t try to speedrun the entire game from start to finish every time. Instead, break the game into smaller segments and focus on perfecting one section at a time. For instance, in Super Metroid, you might practice the “early game” until you can execute it perfectly, then move on to mid-game sections. Once each segment feels polished, you can piece them together into full runs.

2. Watch Other Runners

One of the best ways to improve is by studying others. Watch top runners on Twitch or YouTube and take notes. How do they approach tricky sections? What strategies or tricks do they use? Learning from the best can save you tons of trial and error.

3. Record and Review Your Runs

Recording your attempts lets you analyze your mistakes and figure out where you’re losing time. Maybe you’re struggling with a specific glitch or being too slow with menu navigation. Once you pinpoint the problem areas, you can focus your practice more effectively.

4. Experiment with New Techniques

Speedrunning is all about innovation. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new strats, even if they seem risky. Sometimes, a “sketchy” trick might save you tons of time once you master it.

The Psychological Side of Practice

Let’s not overlook the mental game. Speedrunning can be brutal. One mistake can ruin an otherwise perfect run, and the grind can feel overwhelming at times. Staying mentally strong is just as important as physical practice.

1. Learn to Handle Frustration

You will fail. A lot. But every failed run is an opportunity to learn. Instead of getting discouraged, focus on what you can improve next time. Remember, even the best runners mess up—it’s part of the process.

2. Set Realistic Goals

Don’t aim for a world record right away. Start by setting achievable goals, like completing your first full run or beating a personal best. Celebrate those small victories—they’ll keep you motivated.

Final Thoughts: Is Practice Enough?

So, can anyone become the best at speedrunning? Theoretically, yes—practice can take you far. But the road to the top isn’t easy. It demands time, consistency, and a willingness to embrace failure. While natural talent and reflexes can give some people a head start, the grind is what separates the great from the merely good. If you’re willing to put in the work and keep improving, there’s no reason you can’t make a name for yourself on those leaderboards. Who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll be the one people watch in awe, wondering how you made it look so easy.