Welcome to the world of speedrunning, where gamers push the limits of video games to complete them as quickly as possible. The 2024 ESA Winter Marathon, held from February 17th to 24th, is a spectacle not to be missed. This week-long in-person event, hosted at the Quality Hotel View in Malmö, Sweden, brings together speedrunners and score-attackers from around the globe.
This year, the ESA Winter Marathon is especially exciting as it showcases a wide variety of games, including traditional speedruns and unique showcases. Gamers eagerly anticipate the release of the full schedule, which was announced on December 17th, 2023. For fans of fresh and unreleased games, there’s a special treat! The marathon included submissions for ‘Chase Games’ – new titles that are highly anticipated by the gaming community. This year’s lineup featured games like “Sonic Superstars,” “Super Mario Bros. Wonder,” “Marvel’s Spider-Man 2,” and “Ghostrunner 2,” among others.
What makes ESA Winter 2024 unique is its commitment to charity. All the excitement and competition serve a noble cause, with proceeds going towards charitable organizations. This aligns with ESA’s mission of combining the passion for gaming with philanthropy.
For those attending, there were various ticket options ranging from early bird to late registration, ensuring accessibility for all. The event also provided a family-friendly environment, allowing registered parents or guardians to bring up to two children (age 0-17) for free. Additionally, the event relied on the dedication of volunteers, offering them complimentary tickets in exchange for their invaluable assistance in various roles such as fundraising, technical support, marketing, and more.
The event’s location at the Quality Hotel View in Malmö is strategically chosen for its convenience. It’s easily accessible by train, being just a stone’s throw away from Hyllie Station, and a mere 15-minute ride from the Copenhagen Airport. The organizers recommended travel insurance for all attendees, to cover unforeseen changes in travel plans.
For those who couldn’t attend in person, there’s good news. The entire marathon was streamed, allowing speedrun enthusiasts from all over the world to join in the excitement virtually. The ESA team ensured that every thrilling moment, every record-breaking achievement was captured and shared.
In summary, the 2024 ESA Winter Marathon was not just a gaming event; it was a celebration of skill, speed, and community spirit, all for a good cause. Stay tuned to the ESA’s official channels for updates, and don’t forget to check out the complete videos of all the speedruns from this incredible event!
