The Super Mario Bros. any% speedrunning category is arguably the most prominent within the speedrunning community, showcasing a small yet fiercely passionate group of players striving for unprecedented completion times. Recently, a $5,000 prize offered by a woodworking company has rejuvenated the competitive spirit in the scene, leading renowned runner Niftski to re-enter the fray and demonstrate his legendary prowess.
This category is incredibly competitive due to the brevity of the runs, which now clock in at just under five minutes. Runners face a concept known as the frame rule, which establishes a strict minimum for completing each level. The difference between the theoretically perfect run, based on tool-assisted speedruns, and what human players can achieve in real-time is surprisingly minimal. If you’re curious to delve deeper into the frame rule, check out this informative video by Kosmic.
Earlier this year, Niftski held the closest recorded time to perfection, finishing just 18 frames shy of the ultimate goal during a run in January. Since 2021, he had continuously held the world record, increasing his personal bests without challenge from other players. Following his January achievement, he took a hiatus from Super Mario Bros. any%, exploring other game categories in the interim.
In August, a new world record was established for Super Mario Bros. any% for the first time in four years, when averge11 clocked in a time just 15 frames away from perfection. Speculation was rife regarding what might unfold next, as everyone awaited that elusive perfect run, though advancements seemed to be slow.
Then, on September 30, a surprising twist occurred: a company specializing in D&D tables, Wyrmwood, announced a bounty on the SMB any% world record. In a YouTube presentation, they revealed plans to reward the top three leaderboard positions as of January 1, 2026, with cash prizes of $5,000 for first place, $2,500 for second, and $1,000 for third. Additionally, the foremost runner will receive a stylish Mario-themed desk.
“I’m excited to see how this enhances the competition,” noted speedrun historian SummoningSalt on Twitter. “Key players like Niftski and averge are the frontrunners, but there are others further down who might surprise us. The theoretical perfect run stands at 4:54.26, while the current world record is 4:54.51. I wonder how close we’ll ultimately get.”
The lucrative $5,000 bounty reignited Niftski’s interest in regular attempts at the any% record, which he resumed on October 8. Remarkably, on his second run back, he matched the newly set world record by averge11 from August. Merely two hours later, he claimed a new world record himself, finishing with a time of 4:54.515. As for the race toward perfection, the human record now rests just 13 frames away from the tool-assisted speedrun benchmark.
“Two records in one day! Two records in one day! If that doesn’t prove I’m the best, I don’t know what does!” cheered Niftski, reveling in the thrill of his new achievement. In a moment of exuberance, he attempted to tear his shirt off, channeling his inner Hulk Hogan, but quickly admitted, “I can’t rip the shirt, bro. It’s too tough. L aura, bro.”
Shortly after, he succeeded in tearing the shirt open, revealing a physique that one might associate with a gaming god. What an impressive display—seizing two world records in a single day while also casually showcasing his bodybuilding efforts.
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