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Blackpool Magic Convention 2025: Highlights, Reactions, and Controversies

Writer's picture: Ryan JoyceRyan Joyce

Did you miss Blackpool 2025? Get the highlights, surprises, and audience reactions from the world’s biggest magic convention! 🎩✨


Was this the best Blackpool yet?


Magicians worldwide are buzzing about the highs, the lows, and the unexpected moments of this year’s convention. Here’s a look at the magic, the mishaps, and the unfiltered reactions from attendees.


Biggest Takeaways


  • Bigger than ever: Blackpool remains the undisputed epicenter of the magic world, with a packed schedule and non-stop performances.

  • Registration headaches: Once again, long lines and cold weather made for a frustrating start.

  • Controversial moments: Some acts received rave reviews, while others sparked heated discussions.

  • Jack Rhodes stole the show: The young magician delivered a standout performance that many are calling the sleeper hit of the convention.


Missed Blackpool 2025? Get the must-know highlights, surprises, and reactions from magic’s biggest event! 🎩✨
Missed Blackpool 2025? Get the must-know highlights, surprises, and reactions from magic’s biggest event! 🎩✨

 

Blackpool Magic Convention 2025 Coverage


A big thanks to Craig Mitchell for his incredible daily updates and photos in the Magicians Only Facebook group!


For those who couldn’t make it (like me!), his coverage brought Blackpool 2025 to life, giving us all the highlights, surprises, and behind-the-scenes moments from the world’s biggest magic convention.


That's not to say there were wasn't comment drama.


Audience in a grand theater with ornate yellow and blue decor, facing a stage with a screen displaying "Wintergardens." Large arched ceiling.
Blackpool Magic Convention—one of the world's largest gatherings of magicians, filled with wonder, surprises, and non-stop magic!

 

A Convention Like No Other


For three days, Blackpool transforms into a global hub for magic.


The convention, led by Russ Stevens and Russ Brown, has grown into an overwhelming spectacle of lectures, competitions, and performances. But with great magic comes great debate, and this year’s event was no exception.





Day One: Highs and Lows


The convention kicked off with its usual mix of awe-inspiring performances and logistical frustrations. Registration, unfortunately, was once again a sticking point—hundreds of attendees left waiting in the cold, an issue that seems to persist year after year.


As a Canadian, perhaps this is a bit relative.


However, the first day wasn’t without its highlights:


  • Blake Vogt wowed with his impossible card restorations.

  • Oliver Tabor’s lecture on openers and closers was packed with practical wisdom.

  • David Stone’s alter ego, Klek Entos, emerged as a standout horror-magic character.


Not all performances were equally well-received.


The International Close-Up Show had its share of misses, with some acts failing to engage the audience. One performer was even called “horribly out of her depth,” leading many to question the booking decisions.





Day Two: A Marathon of Magic


With a jam-packed schedule from 9 AM to well past midnight, Day Two tested even the most dedicated attendees. Some of the biggest moments included:


  • Michael Ammar’s legendary presence: His lecture blended new material with timeless classics.

  • David Stone’s comeback: A high-energy, laugh-a-minute lecture that had everyone talking.

  • The One Contest: Despite a £30,000 prize, many felt the competition lacked top-tier talent.


But perhaps the most talked-about performance of the day was Jack Rhodes, the former nuclear engineer turned magician.


His innovative mix of tech, comedy, and magic resonated deeply with the audience.


As one attendee put it,


“Jack has amazing audience rapport—something so many performers desperately lack.”

Day Three: The Grand Finale



As the convention neared its end, the performances continued at full throttle:


  • Jeki Yoo charmed with his signature blend of visual magic and humor.

  • Jon Armstrong delivered pure comedy gold with his ‘Tiny Plunger’ routine.

  • Eric Leclerc pushed boundaries—sometimes too far—with edgy humor.


But the most controversial performance of the night belonged to Rick Thomas. While undeniably skilled, his outdated illusions and questionable stage interactions left many uneasy.


The consensus? Magic evolves, and performers must evolve with it.


 

The Verdict: Magic’s Ultimate Gathering?


Was this the best Blackpool Magic Convention ever? Let us know what you thought in the comments.


The sheer scale and energy of the event were undeniable. While some performances missed the mark, others pushed magic forward in exciting new directions.


A huge shoutout to Craig Mitchell for his exceptional daily updates on the Magicians Only Facebook group. For those who couldn’t attend, his coverage was invaluable in bringing Blackpool 2025 to life.


 

That's It!


Did you attend Blackpool 2025? What did you think of this year’s convention? Hit the heart 💗 below and share your thoughts in the comments!

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