Speedrunning races through games with frame-perfect timing, shaving seconds via glitches and optimized routes. *Super Mario 64*’s 16-star record sits under 15 minutes. Twitch streams and Games Done Quick charities draw millions, blending competition with philanthropy.
Tools like LiveSplit track splits; practice requires muscle memory and route theory. Any% versus 100% categories suit casuals and pros. Mental stamina mirrors esports—top runners meditate pre-attempt.
Barriers: steep learning curves. Beginner-friendly games like *Celeste* offer assist modes. Communities share tutorials, fostering growth. Speedrunning transforms nostalgia into high-stakes performance, where milliseconds separate legends from fans.