The 24th FISM World Championships of Magic (WCM) 2009 concluded successfully on Friday 31 July with the two FISM GRAND PRIX and titles of World Champions of Magic 2009 awarded to Shawn Farquar of Canada who won the Close-up Contest and Soma of Hungary who won the Stage Final Contest staged in the China National Convention Center (CNCC) in Beijing, China.

During the week 26-31 July 2009 more than 2,500 delegates from 66 countries gathered at the CNCC for what was only the 2nd time in the history of International Federation of Magic Societies (FISM) that the event had been held outside Europe.  Arriving at the CNCC Eric Eswin, International President of the FISM, gave high praise on the venue which he said made attendees “immediately feel as ease” – a factor which helped make WCM 2009 become “one of the best” magic shows.  

Starting on Sunday 26th July, WCM 2009 began with a unique Opening Ceremony featuring traditional Chinese performance.  In the following six days there were more than 100 performances including Close-up Magic Shows, Stage Magic Shows – some of which were open to the public, Stage Magic Competitions and Close-up Magic Competitions as performers competed for the prestigious GRAND PRIX and other awards in eight separate sections ranging from Comedy Magic to Stage Illusions.  

Internationally renowned magicians including Victor Voitko of Ukraine, Shoot Ogawa of Japan, Jeff McBride and Mac King of the USA, Juan Tamariz of Spain, Henry Evans of Argentina, Topas of Germany and Lennart Green of Sweden gave insights into the secrets of their art in professional lectures for registered delegates.  During the Magic Fair and the Magic Salon 65 dealers of magician’s paraphernalia showcased new tricks of the trade, surprising delegates as the booths themselves became mini shows with exhibitors and delegates alike trying out the new items.  

Praising the CNCC Master Magician Topas happily told us “I really feel very, very content as we can have the rehearsals, performances, salon, exhibition, lectures and so on all under the same roof, people don’t need to travel from one theatre to another as we have had to in the past” the highly entertaining Compere of the Stage Show added “…and I have to tell you, the food was excellent!”