To celebrate Sonic the Hedgehog’s 32nd birthday AND the launch of Sonic Origins Plus – the definitive physical collection of classic Sonic the Hedgehog titles – Five Star Games is proud to announce a new speedrunning competition: The Sonic State of Origins Plus clash. The best of Australia’s Sonic the Hedgehog speedrunners are picking sides to represent their home state, and will battle it out live at Fortress Sydney on 23rd June to decide which team takes home the shield.

All parties involved in this event are donating proceeds to Cure Cancer, an Australian charity. Cure Cancer’s gaming initiative, Game On Cancer, brings together the gaming community to support early-career cancer researchers working across all cancers and areas of cancer research.

This clash between states will be simulcast across the /AusSpeedruns channel, so fans from all around the world can tune into the action. Those fortunate enough to secure a seat will be treated to a visually spectacular, world-class speedrunning event in Fortress Sydney’s new state-of-the-art competition arena.

AusSpeedruns co-ordinator Ethan Levy says of the new competition:

“AusSpeedruns is proud to partner with Five Star Games to put on this exciting new Sonic State of Origins Plus event for all Australians. We’ve got the fastest and most incredible Sonic the Hedgehog speedrunners in our community, and they’ll be going head-to-head on the 23rd of June in the arena; at the same time raising money for Game on Cancer, a wonderful cause!”

With Queensland fielding a team in red jerseys and represented by Knuckles as their mascot, their runners Raikou (c), Stylonide & The8bitbeast will aim to outpace the New South Wales team of Werster (c), 3Pills and LaceyStripes in their blue jerseys, represented by Sonic. Sonic himself is rumoured to be appearing on the night – a rare treat for the all-ages crowd.

Shane Bailey, Head of Gaming & Streaming at Cure Cancer, says:

“We’re honoured to be partnered with AusSpeedruns as their charity of choice, and to see a new speedrunning competition come to Australia – from the original speedster himself, no less – is simply wonderful.”

The event will consist of 8 events in a point-scoring extravaganza itself designed by famed Sonic the Hedgehog speedrunner and captain of Team Sonic, Werster. By the end of the night one team will be crowned the fastest in Australia and take home the new Sonic State of Origins Plus shield.

Darren Macbeth, Managing Director at Five Star Games says of the event:

“The night is set to be a spectacular demonstration of Sonic’s true talent: Speed. We’re preparing so many delights for the crowd, including birthday cakes, jersey giveaways… and did I mention cake?”

General tickets are selling at Eventbrite for $10 and will be available until sold out https://bit.ly/45Yc2QI