In a world often dominated by elite athletes, Singapore’s gaming community is stepping into the limelight, showcasing a different kind of talent that is winning hearts globally. These aren't your typical esports giants competing for cash prizes; they are driven enthusiasts eager to perfect their craft, often at lightning speed.

A Hub of Talent: Games Done Quick

Consider the iconic *Super Mario Bros. 3*, a classic game that typically demands a good five hours to complete. For speedrunners, however, this challenge is taken to extremes, with expert players finishing the game in as little as three minutes! This incredible feat captures not just the speed but the dedication of these gamers who have devoted countless hours to mastering their gameplay through meticulous practice.

One such remarkable talent is Justin "juh0" Ho, a 26-year-old Twitch streamer who has been actively speedrunning since 2016. His journey reflects the heartbeat of the community—a passion for entertaining and connecting with others. “I found the world of speedrunning fascinating and thought, maybe I should dive in,” Ho recalls.

Ho's participation in *Games Done Quick* (GDQ)—a prestigious biannual charity event—highlights the pinnacle of his speedrunning achievements. Taking place in the United States, GDQ events such as *Awesome Games Done Quick* and *Summer Games Done Quick* attract thousands of submissions, from which only 150 elite runners are selected to showcase their skills in a live-streamed marathon that supports valuable charities like the Prevent Cancer Foundation and Doctors Without Borders.

Ho’s impressive performances include his debut at GDQ during the 2022 pandemic, where he completed the indie horror game *Alisa* in a stunning 52 minutes from his home in Singapore, proudly displaying the Singaporean flag. In 2024, he ventured to the U.S. to entertain with the zany title *Muscle March*, where he engaged the audience with humor and enthusiasm.

Harmonizing Gaming with Rhythm

Meanwhile, a fresh wave of Singaporean gamers, including Goh "Raveille" Zuo Jie and his team, are turning heads with their rhythmic dexterity in the arcade game *Chunithm*. Unlike traditional speedrunning, this rhythm game requires players to perform complex maneuvers, blending physical endurance with musical timing. “For ages, I wanted *Chunithm* to get the recognition it deserves at GDQ," expressed Goh, emphasizing the logistical hurdles tied to showcasing such an arcade game from Singapore.

Thanks to Bunnyside Basement, an exclusive arcade, the team was able to stream their stunning performance live, contributing to raising over US$1 million for charity. Their showcase required not just excellent performance but also on-the-fly commentary, blending gameplay and instruction seamlessly for viewers across the globe. Tay "Beazat" Tze Jun, the team’s standout who is ranked the second best *Chunithm* player in Singapore, meticulously prepared a color-coded script to coordinate their commentary during the showcase.

The Future of Gaming in Singapore

For Justin Ho, the path to becoming a full-time gamer has been rocky. Although his passion for gaming began with dreams of becoming a professional *Counter-Strike* player, the competitive scene proved challenging to break into. Despite setbacks and battling personal issues, including mental health struggles, he remains committed to carving a unique niche within the gaming sphere. “It’s tough finding my place when everyone else is focused on mainstream titles,” he admits.

As Ho gears up for his final appearance at *Summer Games Done Quick* 2025, he hopes to land a gaming-related job while balancing his passion for streaming. Whether or not he gets another shot at GDQ, he sees this as his last opportunity to connect with friends in the community before stepping into the next chapter of life.

As the global gaming spotlight shifts to Singapore, these speedrunners and rhythm gamers are not only redefining what it means to be a competitive player but are also enriching the landscape of gaming culture, proving that passion and skill can achieve greatness, no matter the medium. Get ready world, Singapore is gaming like never before!