Chinese Magician David Shao Wins Top Honors in International Magic Competition
Comedian and Magician David Shao swept three major awards at the 2025 International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM) Convention, including 1st Place in Close-Up Magic, 2nd Place in Stage Magic, and the elusive Karrell Fox Comedy Award — a triple achievement that marks him as one of magic’s most original and celebrated new voices. With only two competition categories — Close-Up and Stage — and just eight finalists in each from around the globe, Shao’s victories showcase his exceptional ability to blend world-class technical skill with refined artistic precision.
Mike Dunagan, outgoing president of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, presents the first place trophy in close up magic to Chinese Magician David Shao. (Photo by Michael Messing, © International Brotherhood of Magicians 2025)
Founded in 1922, the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM) is one of the largest and most respected magic organizations in the world, with members in over 80 countries. Its annual convention is a cornerstone event for the global magic community. This year’s convention featured lectures and appearances by world-renowned magicians such as Jeff McBride, master of theatrical magic and founder of the Magic & Mystery School; and Lance Burton, the first American to win FISM (“the Olympics of Magic”) and one of the most celebrated Las Vegas headliners in history. Notably, past IBM competitions have helped launch the careers of magicians like Shin Lim, who went on to win FISM and America’s Got Talent, who became a household name in modern sleight-of-hand magic.
David Shao and his 1st Place Close-Up Magic trophy, 2nd Place Stage Magic trophy, and the prestigious Karrell Fox Comedy Award at the 2025 International Brotherhood of Magicians Convention.
Shao’s performances offered a unique twist in the art. His Close-Up Magic routine was unexpectedly funny, original, and extraordinary, while his Stage Magic set mixed deadpan humor, emotional tension, and sharp comedic timing — earning second place in a highly competitive field of international performers from South Korea, South Africa, Italy, and Czech Republic.
Most notably, Shao was awarded the Karrell Fox Comedy Award, given only four times before in IBM history. He is now the fifth-ever recipient, recognized for his ability to blend strong magic with sharp comedic timing.
“I had no idea I was going to win both the Close-Up and Stage contests,” Shao said. “This is the first time I am representing China, and it’s an incredible honor to be recognized on this global stage.”
“This year’s competition highlighted everything we love about magic: creative concepts, original thinking, commitment to perfection and entertaining performances,” said Mike Dunagan, outgoing international president of the I.B.M., who presented the awards to Shao.
Shao developed an interest in magic at the age of nine, when he first saw magician Lu Chen performs on Chinese national television. “Chen was the magician that all of the younger magicians in China looked up to at the time,” said Shao.
At 17, he moved to the U.S. and began performing on the streets as a busker while in high school. He later attended the University of California, Irvine, where he majored in Drama. In 2022, during his second year of college, Shao joined the Academy of Magical Arts, whose clubhouse is the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood.
Shao refined his signature deadpan character while performing at the Magic Castle. “I spent six months practicing my sets, and then I found out that when I don’t show any expression while saying something silly, the audience laughs more—because they’re not sure if I’m serious or not,” he explained.
