Just a random survey, I'm wondering who you feel is your favorite modern close-up magician, and why you like him/her.

"best" being relative -- each magician should believe they are the best close-up magician for the couple of effects they have perfected and selected for a particular audience. If this is not so perhaps more practice is indicated.

Maybe you should ask, "Which close-up performer would you most like to emulate, or which has inspired you the most?"

Personally I have many favorites for a particular effect, but none that I would wish to see continuously -- and that is based on DVD or YourTube performances that tell little of their presense in a live situation. I always want to see how the performer leads into an effect and blends into the next one before knowing how good they are.

but, in the spirit of what I think you are asking ...

The best for impromptu close-up is Mb, the best for teaching is David Roth, the best for explaining a new sleight is Tim Feher

John Carney is one who has inspired me.
There are others, Whit Haydn, Bill Palmer, lots of people.

There are a lot of teremendous close-up people out there, would be very hard to find a best out of that crowd. All of them certainly have their areas of specialization. Any of the Godfather Vinnie's La Familiga, Curtis Kam, Any of the NY coin seminar guys, I'd agree with John, Whit and Bill mentioned above, Eric Jones our VIP of the month certainly is in that group, way too many to really mention.

Tommy Wonder

For his approach, presentation, thoughts on the art and furthering the art


But it really is impossible to name just one

When it comes to smooth I think of John Carney, when it comes to personable I think of Ammar

and all 3 men named above are amazing in their approach and thoughts, are amazingly smooth and personable

and that's before card men, Ricky Jay, Juan Tamariz, Darwin Ortiz, Aaron Fisher, Michael Vincent the list could go on and on

David Roth for his work on coins

Am certain others here can name hundreds of other top flight performers


But for me .... It will always be Tommy Wonder

I agree with Vick (anybody think that would ever happen?). Tommy Wonder is the finest modern close-up magician, and despite his passing, I believe genius like his comes around very rarely. I imagine it will be some time before someone comes along who redefines the art like he did.

A couple that I look up to are Pop Hayden, David Stone, and Cyril Takayama. Their level of presentation, ability work the crowd, use of misdirection, and sleight of hand ability are what I strive to reach and surpass.