Here is a breakdown of why Hollow Knight sits at the top of its class.
Because of major differences in glitches and loading times between version 1.2.2.1 and 1.4.3.2, the Hollow Knight Speedrun.com leaderboards often split categories into 1.4.3.2+ (Current Patch style) and Unrestricted (Downpatched) . hollow knight v1432 top
It removes some of the most "broken" early-game glitches while still allowing for high-skill tech like Float Glitches and specific shade skips. Here is a breakdown of why Hollow Knight