Magic Live 2025: Why This Vegas Magician Keeps Coming Back
Magic Live 2025 just wrapped, and every year I walk away with the same feeling — completely inspired, deeply connected, and reminded why I dedicated my life to magic in the first place.
For me, Magic Live is more than a conference. It’s tradition. I attend each year with my father, and that bond has become something I look forward to as much as the magic itself. We share ideas, watch performances, and reflect on where we’ve been and where this art is headed. Magic Live gives us that space — a place to reconnect not just with each other, but with the entire global magic community.
This year’s event in Las Vegas brought together some of the most talented and passionate minds in the business. Here are a few moments and people that stood out for me!
Magic Live 2025 just wrapped, and every year I walk away with the same feeling — completely inspired, deeply connected, and reminded why I dedicated my life to magic in the first place.
For me, Magic Live is more than a conference. It’s tradition. I attend each year with my father, and that bond has become something I look forward to as much as the magic itself. We share ideas, watch performances, and reflect on where we’ve been and where this art is headed. Magic Live gives us that space — a place to reconnect not just with each other, but with the entire global magic community.
This year’s event in Las Vegas brought together some of the most talented and passionate minds in the business. Here are a few moments and people that stood out for me!
Mike Hammer is as sharp and hilarious as ever. We had a real conversation about staying grounded while performing full-time in Vegas. Mike’s quick on stage, but he’s also one of the most sincere guys you’ll meet in this business. You would think he might be an A hole from his show, because he is a quick talker, but NO just like Amazing Johnathan, he is a gem. It was great seeing him and catching up.
I caught up with Greg Gleason, and as always, he’s performing at a level most can only aim for. We shared a quiet moment diving into some of his upcoming shows — the kind of talk that reminds you how deep this art goes when you’re surrounded by real pros.
Russ Merlin had us rolling with laughter. We ran into each other near the dealer’s room and he loves Jedward even though he won’t admit it. Nothing planned — just spontaneous magic and pure joy. That’s Russ.
Chuck Lane and Jody Baron reminded me why they’re so respected. They care about the future of magic, and we had a great talk about mentoring, legacy, and how this craft stays alive generation after generation. Chuck is like Superman! By day he is a teacher and by night he is a magician!
Jamming Christopher Karpiak is always fun! This guy will always bring the energy. Magic Live moments. Cards, psychology, misdirection — everything you want in with someone who just gets it.
Greg Wilson always brings the heat. He dropped two insights that hit me hard — the kind of advice you don’t forget. There’s a reason he’s a legend, and it’s not just the tricks. He fooled me with the simplest trick and I loved it!
Magical Katrina and I talked about storytelling and how personal magic really is when you let people in. She’s pushing the boundaries in a way that’s fresh and bold, and it’s exciting to see her shine. We met years ago at a fun venue that shows off real magic!
And then there were some other standout connections:
Tommy of The Clairvoyants brings a kind of mentalism that’s so smooth it almost feels unfair. We are fellow AGT contestants and both have a fond memory of being on Americas Got Talent.
Daniel Garcia is one of those thinkers who bends reality. I’ve always respected how his magic is tight and conceptual, and getting to chat with him about creativity gave me a spark I didn’t even know I needed. He is a real down to earth guy.
Jonathan Goodwin showed up and we had a chat — with intensity and intelligence. His insights on risk, control, and performance under pressure gave me a new appreciation for stunt-based magic. He is a great motivational speaker and is a talent that everyone loves.
Adam Trent brings entertainment value on every level. We once auditioned for a TV show with Greg Wilson and a female I can’t remember. Adam has built a real brand, and it shows.
Patrick Walkey and I talked tech, visual magic, and innovation. He’s exploring areas of performance that feel truly next-gen, and it’s inspiring to be around that kind of forward thinking.
Bizzaro— what can I say? Originality incarnate. His creativity is off the charts, and we had a solid jam session on bending audience expectations. Every time I see his work, I’m reminded how limitless magic can be.
Jack Goldfinger is pure wisdom. His stories, his timing, his philosophy on performance — he’s like a walking masterclass. Every time we talk, I walk away with a gem that sticks with me. He is always happy and smiling or at least whenever I see him.
Magic Live continues to be one of the most important events I attend — not just as a Las Vegas magician, but as someone who truly loves the craft. It’s where professional magicians, creators, and storytellers come together to sharpen each other.
The highlights were the sessions, shows and Chip Romero brought his Doug Henning Collection which would might need to be housed in a museum one day.
Whether you’re in the audience, backstage, or just catching up over coffee, the people at this event make the magic real.
To everyone who shared a trick, a thought, a laugh — thank you. These are the moments that fuel me for another year of performing, creating, and growing.
Thanks Stan!
Until next year,
– Seth Grabel
