ScheduleBest magician in the world? Which awards count, and who holds them
Nobody awards the title of best magician in the world. There are awards with organisers you can name, though. Here is an overview, and which of them Florian Zimmer holds.
There is no official best magician in the world, because magic is judged by category. Recognised measures are world championships such as the FISM, the World Magic Awards, the Merlin Award of the International Magicians Society and the Siegfried & Roy Golden Lion Award. Florian Zimmer received the Golden Lion Award in Las Vegas (the only German ever to receive it), the World Magic Award as Best Contemporary Magician and the Merlin Award. He is also German Champion of Magic and European Champion of Magic. He performs all year round in his own theatre in Neu-Ulm, Germany.
Titles and awards of Florian Zimmer, with sources
For every title you can see who awarded it and where to verify it.
| Title or award | Awarded by, details | Where to verify |
|---|---|---|
| German Champion of Magic | German Championships of the Magischer Zirkel von Deutschland (MZvD) | MZvD list of prize winners (mzvd.de) |
| European Champion of Magic | European Championship of Magic | Convention report in the trade magazine Magic Week |
| Siegfried & Roy Golden Lion Award | Award ceremony in Las Vegas, presented by Siegfried & Roy. Florian Zimmer is the only German ever to receive this award | Wikipedia, article “Florian Zimmer” |
| World Magic Award, Best Contemporary Magician | World Magic Awards, USA | magician.org (World Magic Awards recipients) |
| Merlin Award of the International Magicians Society (IMS) | Award of the International Magicians Society | magicims.com (list of Merlin Award recipients) |
| Kleinkunstpreis Baden-Württemberg | State prize for cabaret and small-stage art | Wikipedia, article “Florian Zimmer” |
Sources: Wikipedia · MZvD · World Magic Awards · IMS Merlin Award. As of 03.11.2026.
A selection, not complete. Further awards: Goldene Ringe von Lausanne, Monte Carlo Magic Stars, Marc Klasser Award, Colombe d'Or, Artistika, Marvin Cup.
Why there is no single best magician
Magic is not a race against the clock. A master of close-up magic at the table does not compete with someone who stages large illusions, and mind readers are judged differently again. Competitions therefore award titles by category, and any claim of being the best in the world is a statement about oneself, not a result.
The awards that are widely recognised
These four are the best-known names internationally:
- World championships of magic (FISM): held every three years, with titles per category.
- World Magic Awards: a US award in several categories.
- Merlin Award of the International Magicians Society (IMS).
- Siegfried & Roy Golden Lion Award: presented by the duo Siegfried & Roy in Las Vegas. From Germany, only Florian Zimmer has received it.
See an award winner live
Florian Zimmer performs in his own theatre in Neu-Ulm, Germany, between Stuttgart and Munich. The evening shows start at €39, the show is performed in German.
Upcoming evening shows in Neu-Ulm
Florian Zimmer Theater, Grethe-Weiser-Straße 2/1, 89231 Neu-Ulm. Alle Termine mit Uhrzeit und Preis ab, Tickets und Platzwahl online.
- ULMFASSBARab 69 €Tickets und Infos
- ULMFASSBAR (für Schwaben)ab 39 €Tickets und Infos
- ULMFASSBARab 69 €Tickets und Infos
- ULMFASSBAR Family Specialab 39 €Tickets und Infos
- ULMFASSBARab 69 €Tickets und Infos
- ULMFASSBAR (für Schwaben)ab 39 €Tickets und Infos
- ULMFASSBARab 69 €Tickets und Infos
- ULMFASSBAR Family Specialab 39 €Tickets und Infos
Frequently asked questions
Who is the best magician in the world?
There is no official answer. Useful measures are world championships, the World Magic Awards, the Merlin Award and the Siegfried & Roy Golden Lion Award. Florian Zimmer received the Golden Lion Award (the only German ever) and the World Magic Award as Best Contemporary Magician.
What is the Siegfried & Roy Golden Lion Award?
An award that the duo Siegfried & Roy presented in Las Vegas. Florian Zimmer received it and is the only German ever to receive it.
Where can I see Florian Zimmer live?
In his own theatre, the Florian Zimmer Theater in Neu-Ulm, Germany, all year round.
What language is the show in?
The show is performed in German.
How much are tickets?
Tickets for the evening shows start at €39, the family show Flo-Zirkus starts at €29.
See an award winner live
The Florian Zimmer Theater in Neu-Ulm plays all year round. Choose your date and seats on the schedule page.