The Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ) 2025 charity speedrunning marathon saw an unexpected yet heartwarming trend emerge, as gamers rallied around the name "Luigi" in various bidding wars, raising over $18,000 for charity.

Despite only a handful of Super Mario games being showcased during the event, Luigi's presence was felt throughout, with his name popping up frequently in naming rights auctions. This phenomenon can be attributed to the gaming community's affection for Mario's beloved brother, celebrated for his goofiness and memed for his seemingly darker nature.

However, the significance of Luigi's name took on a different tone in light of the recent case of Luigi Mangione, charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The gaming community's love for Luigi may have been, in part, a tacit statement of support for Mangione's actions, although it's impossible to determine the exact motivations behind the trend.

During the marathon, viewers had numerous opportunities to participate in bidding wars for various perks, such as naming characters or influencing gameplay decisions. In the Pokémon: Let's Go Eevee run, for instance, viewers could donate to name the trainer, and "Luigi" emerged as the winning choice. This pattern repeated itself throughout the event, with "Luigi" claiming top spots in Fallout: New Vegas, Skyrim, Guantlet IV, and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, among others.

The cumulative effect of these bidding wars resulted in an impressive total of over $18,000 raised for charity. This outcome is a testament to the gaming community's generosity and creativity, as well as the inclusive and socially conscious atmosphere fostered by Games Done Quick. The organization has a history of taking a stand on social issues, such as cancelling a live event in Florida in 2023 over the state's "Don't Say Gay" law and lax COVID-19 policies.

While the true motivations behind the "Luigi" phenomenon may never be fully understood, it's clear that the gaming community came together to make a positive impact. As the charity speedrunning marathon continues to grow in popularity, it will be interesting to see how this trend develops in future events.

In the meantime, the gaming community can take pride in its ability to come together for a good cause, even if it's through something as seemingly trivial as a character name. The impact of AGDQ 2025 will be felt long after the event has concluded, and "Luigi" will undoubtedly remain an iconic symbol of the community's generosity and spirit.