From the article: The Ten Best Close-Up Magicians
Who are the top close-up magicians? I attempt to list the ten very best. Did your favorite close-up magician make my list? Share Your Thoughts
Gregory Wilson
- Twice close up FISM winner. He's the best I have ever seen by far
- —Guest Doug Booth
Best close-up magician
- Warren Gibson. For more than 15 years, he's been doing two sold-out shows a day, six days a week at his own theater on Maui. Since he doesn't travel or do corporate shows, you may not have heard of him but he has some of the best card and coin moves I've ever seen. Also Doc Eason (2008 Magic Castle award).
- —cwbwin
There is no contest. #1 is ...
- ... the late and lamented Tommy Wonder. Actually, he could head both lists. Ciao for now Erik
- —Guest Erik Arfeuille
Greatest
- I think you could put 30-40 it still would be hard, there are some many that are great to each other ..where can I get a tape of ricky jay and 52 friends thanks Steve
- —Guest Stephen ski
1# Magician
- I think Criss Angel is the best magician anyone has ever been. All the other magicians are no fun
- —Guest Nadia
Top 10 list
- An obvious omission would be Dai Vernon but I'm sure we can all think of dozens more that deserve to be on this list!
- —Guest Bob
WHO's The "Best Close Up Magician"
- Can't tell you who's the "best" as there are many styles and deliveries. Among my favs are: Shawn Farquhar, Michael Ammar, Johnny Ace Palmer, Aldo Colombini, Dan Harlan, Paul Gordon, Joshua Jay, Simon Lovell, Eugene Berger, David Regal, etc. There is no "best" in my humble opinion due to variations is style and delivery. All of us can do effects, however what sets one apart form another is the PERFORMANCE of the routine and it's overall structure. An engaging storyline can make a mundane trick/effect better, we all know that and the best of the best actually apply the principle. Sure we can all do basics but it's delivery that makes them interesting, amusing, and astonishing.
- —MGsmagic
Best list........oh please.
- I still will never understand why people take the time to make lists...Magicians are not athletes...we are artists...there will, and cannot be a best. And how silly- how many acts have you seen to be able to make such claims. It's like a magic competition, where someone wins by default, because all the other guys are too busy working. I have spent 25 years travelling the world performing magic, and am the only magician to travel the world for Hyatt Hotels performing close up magic, but I bet you have never heard of me. And what about the amazing eastern european magicans from Russia and Ukraine....don't get a mention, cause you don't know them...or what the great Mainland Chinese Close up workers....oh...I forgot...not American...therefore don't count! And the mention of Criss Angel or David Blaine not being good...that person should get a grip on thier own self-importance. I believe the following: people can be smart enough to write...but stupid enough to think it matters!
- —Guest Duck Cameron
My opinion
- Anyone who thinks David Blaineis a good magician is an idiot. Visit a magic shop and spend a few bucks and you can do anything he does. Probably better. Chriss Angel is also a joke. A polished professional magician does not have to do everything with stooges and camera cuts and tricks.Want to see a good magician? Watch Lance Burton.
- —Guest Donny Tyler
angel in vegas
- being an amateur magician, i am constantly and religiously watching and learning from many different masters, all of whom have my deep respect. but i have to say, one stands out in many ways and that name is Criss Angel.
- —Guest mikki
What about the legendary Rocco Silano?
- Hi Wayne, I just skimmed your list. Rocco Silano, the only American in US history ever to win two FISM awards is an absolutely extraordinary entertainer. And yet, he is not included on your top-ten list. More than that, he is humble. And approachable. And a magical genius. AND he connects to his audiences. Reconsider ... he is a truly brilliant performer. And probably leads your top ten close-up choices... Thanks for reading this e-mail. RV
- —Guest Magic fan
First on my list
- David Blain is totally incredible. He just blows my mind with his magic. I am just in awe of him.The way he does magic on the streets, it just looks so real. I don't even know what to think when I saw him levitate right there on the street. Totally amazing. He showed the card I was thinking of when he was talking to the camera. flipped the deck and there it was, Wow!
- —Guest Debra
Best close-up magicians
- One of the best,and absolutely hilarious close-up workers I've seen is Chad Long. I was blown away by his humor-ditto for Jay Sankey. Both are great entertainers.
- —Guest Steve Koehler
My personal Favorites
- 1 Eugene Burger 2 Bill Malone I have learned so much from watching these two close up artists than any other magician I have see or read about.
- —Guest justneal
#1 is right on...
- Johnny Ace Palmer is clearly the #1 close-up magician in the world, almost anyone who has seen him would attest to this (magicians and non-magicians alike). Let me ask for a little more love for John Armstrong (Card John). It appears as though he might be 11th on your list but I give him a higher grade on overall performance.
- —Guest Magic Master
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