Contest

Could you be the next I.B.M. Champion of Magic?  Start planning now for our world-famous competitions, and great cash prizes.

Convention Contests General Information and Rules 2025

The I.B.M. contests are recognized as the gold standard for well-organized, high-quality, and non-political convention competitions. The I.B.M. Gold Medal International Award of Excellence in Stage Performance and the I.B.M. Gold Cups International Award of Excellence in Close-Up Performance are among the most prestigious honors in the world of magic.

This year’s in-person contest will take place during the I.B.M. Convention from July 9 – 12, 2025, at the Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria, Houston, TX.

How to Enter the Competitions

Stage 1: Application

To apply for either contest, please submit the following by May 1, 2025, to IBMMagicContest@gmail.com:

CLOSE-UP CONTEST APPLICATION DOWNLOAD
STAGE CONTEST APPLICATION DOWNLOAD

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  1. A completed contest application form.
  2. A video recording of your act (upload to YouTube and send us the link). Any significant changes to your act after submission must be approved by the Contest Chairman prior to the convention.
  3. A headshot.

Stage 2: Selection

  1. All video submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges.
  2. The top 8 competitors in each category (Close-Up and Stage) will be selected to perform live during the convention finals.
  3. The 8 finalists and 1 reserve for each contest will be notified by May 31, 2025.

Performers who are not selected are encouraged to participate in the Open Mic Show during the convention.

Contest Schedule

  • Close-Up Competition Finals:
    • Held on Thursday afternoon, performed on stage before the judges and a select audience. The remainder of the audience will view the performances on big screens.
  • Stage Contest Finals:
    • Held during the Friday evening International Stage Championship and Gala Show.
    • Awards for both contests will be announced at the conclusion of Friday’s Gala Show.

Awards and Prizes

1. I.B.M. Stage Contest – Youth Category (Ages 7–17):

  • 1st Place: Trophy + $500 USD. 
  • If elevated to Gold Medal: Additional $2,000 USD and the Gold Medal.
  • Award of Merit (2nd Place): $250 USD.

2. I.B.M. Stage Contest – Adult Category (Ages 18+):

  • 1st Place: Trophy + $1,000 USD.
  • If elevated to Gold Medal: Additional $2,000 USD and the Gold Medal.
  • Award of Merit (2nd Place): $500 USD.

3. I.B.M. Stage Contest – People’s Choice Award:

  • $500 USD (selected by the audience).

4. I.B.M. Close-Up Contest – Youth Category (Ages 7–17):

  • 1st Place: Trophy + $500 USD.
  • If elevated to Gold Cups: additional $2,000 USD and the Gold Cups.
  • Award of Merit (2nd Place): $250 USD.

5. I.B.M. Close-Up Contest – Adult Category (Ages 18+):

  • 1st Place: Trophy + $1,000 USD.
  • If elevated to Gold Cups: Additional $2,000 USD and the Gold Cups.
  • Award of Merit (2nd Place): $500 USD.

6. I.B.M. Close-Up Contest – People’s Choice Award:

  • $500 USD (selected by the audience).

7. Karrell Fox Comedy Award:

  • Awarded to a Stage Contestant demonstrating exceptional comedic timing and wit. This award is given at the unanimous discretion of the judges and is not presented annually.

8. FANTASMA Youth Prize Package:

  • Available to the Youth Stage Contest 1st Place winner

Every year Roger Dreyer of Fantasma puts together a very special Fantasma Youth Prize.  This year will be no exception.  It will be the most coveted prize of the whole convention. .  Full details of this award will be published very soon.

Important Guidelines

  1. Prohibited Items:
    • No pyrotechnics, candles, or sustained open flames are allowed in either contest.
    • The use of large amounts (more than a handful) of confetti (or similar materials) is restricted as it interferes with AC systems. This is a hotel rule out of our control. 
    • Glitter and mylar confetti are strictly prohibited.
  2. Gold Prizes:
    • The Gold Medal and Gold Cups awards are given at the judges’ discretion and are not guaranteed every year.
    • At least 3 contestants per category are required for a Gold Prize to be awarded. Otherwise, judges may opt to award only the 1st Place or Award of Merit trophies.
    • Gold prizes can be given to either youth or adults.

Close-Up Contest

  1. Contestants must check in with the Contest Chairperson at the designated location at least 30 minutes before the contest begins.
  2. A preparation/waiting area will be provided.
  3. The performance area will include:
    • A cloth-covered table (size and shape dependent on availability).
    • Chairs, an electrical outlet, and an audience, from which up to two spectators may be pre-selected.
  4. Contestants are allowed:
    • Two minutes to set up their equipment before performing.
    • One minute to remove their equipment after their performance.

Stage Contest

  1. Contestants must check in with the Contest Chairperson at the designated location at least 30 minutes before the contest begins.
  2. A preparation/waiting area will be provided.
  3. Only convention-registered performers and assistants appearing on stage are allowed backstage.
  4. Contestants are allowed:
    • Two minutes to set up their equipment before performing.
    • Two minutes to remove their equipment after their performance.
  5. To maintain cleanliness and safety:
    • Contestants must provide and use a drop cloth if their act involves dropping many cards, confetti, or other items on stage.
    • The performance area must be left clean for the next act.
  6. Limited technical rehearsal time will be allocated at the pre-contest briefing. Contestants must submit their tech requirements by July 1, 2025.

Judges’ Procedures

  1. Video submissions will be judged by a panel of experienced judges, who are members of the I.B.M. and do not receive monetary compensation for their time.
  2. Finals at the convention will be judged by I.B.M. members who are experienced judges and registered for the event.
  3. After the finals, judges will deliberate privately to determine award recipients, including whether to elevate performances to the Gold Medal or Gold Cups level.

Rules and Procedures

  1. Contestants (magicians and assistants) must be members in good standing of the I.B.M. and registered for the Annual Convention.
  2. Applications for youth contests must be signed by a legal guardian.
  3. Contestants may not include unauthorized use of intellectual property in their performances.
  4. Paid performers or lecturers at the convention are not eligible to compete.
  5. No inappropriate or offensive material (“blue material”) is allowed.
  6. Contestants must attend the pre-contest briefing or notify the Contest Chairman in advance.
  7. Performances are limited to 10 minutes. Time penalties or disqualification may apply for exceeding the limit.
  8. Judges’ decisions are final.
  9. Unsportsmanlike behavior will result in disqualification.

For additional information or clarification, please contact:
Contest Chairpersons: Lady Sarah and Keith Fields
Email: IBMMagicContest@gmail.com