TALENTS

Chris Ramsay, the enigmatic German-born Canadian magician, YouTuber, and television producer, has taken the world by storm with his captivating blend of puzzle-solving, mesmerizing cardistry, and mind-bending magic. Boasting an astounding 7 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, he’s not just a magician; he’s a sensation. His rise to stardom through social media even inspired Ian Frisch to pen the captivating 2019 book, “Magic Is Dead: My Journey into the World’s Most Secretive Society of Magicians,” with Ramsay as one of its intriguing subjects. In May 2020, The New Yorker featured his puzzle-solving prowess, highlighting how he provides a rare and exhilarating focus, ultimately delivering the joy of accomplishment to his ever-growing fanbase. Chris Ramsay is a true maestro of modern magic, and his presence at Cardtopia promises to be nothing short of spellbinding.

Rick Smith Jr. is a renowned magician and professional card thrower known for his extraordinary card-throwing skills. He gained fame for his incredible ability to throw playing cards with precision and speed, often performing stunning card-throwing tricks that defy expectations. Rick has appeared on various television shows and has set several Guinness World Records for his card-throwing feats. His unique talents and captivating performances have made him a popular figure in the world of magic and entertainment. In addition to his card-throwing prowess, Rick Smith Jr. is also involved in coaching and teaching others the art of card throwing and magic through instructional videos and live demonstrations.

Ondrej Psenicka, born in Prague, Czech Republic, discovered his passion for magic at the tender age of 9. As he honed his craft, attending acting workshops and eventually enrolling in an acting school in Prague, Ondrej’s journey took a unique turn. He ventured into the world of acting, securing roles in TV series like “Poste Restante” and “Spackovy v siti casu,” as well as working on projects like “The Poet” for national television. Guided by an influential director from Moscow Art Theater, he developed a profound appreciation for physical acting alongside the psychological aspects. Ondrej later pursued his acting studies at the Lee Strasberg Institute in Los Angeles, seeking to further refine his craft. While acting remains his primary focus, magic continues to be an integral part of his life, with Ondrej being a current magician member of The Magic Castle in Hollywood, constantly crafting captivating magic routines to maintain his exceptional skills.

Vivek Singhi is a renowned magician and mentalist hailing from Mumbai, India, celebrated for his remarkable talents in the world of magic. His journey in the realm of illusion and mindreading led him to become a finalist on India’s Got Talent – Season 10, where he left an indelible mark with his captivating performances. With a passion for close-up magic, Vivek has mesmerized audiences with his extraordinary skills and unique blend of mentalism. His artistry and showmanship have earned him a well-deserved place in the spotlight, making him a rising star in the world of magic in India and beyond.

Laura London, celebrated as one of the world’s foremost female sleight of hand artists and a captivating close-up magician, has left an indelible mark on the realm of magic. Her exceptional card skills, showcased in the critically acclaimed show ‘Laura London: Cheat,’ earned her standing ovations at prestigious venues like the Magic Castle in Los Angeles, the Edinburgh Fringe, and international magic conventions. Laura’s magical journey began at the age of 10 when she received her first magic trick, leading to her becoming the youngest female member of The Magic Circle at 18, now holding the esteemed title of Inner Magic Circle member. She embarked on her career with a diverse repertoire of close-up magic, expanding into mind-reading and stage illusions. Laura’s television appearances, including ‘The Next Great Magician’ and ‘Penn and Teller’s ‘Fool Us,” have showcased her enchanting talents, while her residencies at esteemed London venues, performances for royalty, and global engagements attest to her standing as a magician of choice at the highest echelons of entertainment. Laura London’s magical artistry has graced audiences worldwide, from London to Los Angeles, Sydney to Dubai, and beyond, cementing her legacy as a true enchantress of the magical arts.

Chuck Martinez is revered for his visionary leadership and relentless dedication to the art of magic. As the President of the prestigious The Academy of Magical Arts at The Magic Castle, Chuck spearheads the organization’s mission to create transcendent moments and propel the magic community to new heights. With an unwavering commitment to promoting the growth of magic artists, and facilitating invaluable resources, scholarships, networks, and residencies, Chuck’s influence extends beyond the stage and into the heart of the industry.

Richard Turner is a renowned American magician and card mechanic, best known for his incredible card manipulation skills, particularly in the realm of card cheating techniques. What makes Turner’s story even more remarkable is that he is completely blind, having lost his sight at a young age due to a rare medical condition. Despite his visual impairment, he has mastered the art of card manipulation to an astonishing level of expertise. Turner’s remarkable abilities and determination have earned him recognition and admiration in the world of magic, and he has performed on various stages, including appearances on television and in documentary films that highlight his extraordinary talent and life story.

Jonathan Bayme is the founder and CEO of theory11, a collective of the top magicians on the planet and the world’s largest producer of premium playing cards. Over the past 15 years, he’s produced projects in collaboration with Neil Patrick Harris, JJ Abrams, Marvel, Jimmy Fallon, James Bond, The Beatles and The Academy Awards.

Rokas Bernatonis, born on August 15, 1992, in Lithuania, is a versatile entertainer known for his talents as an actor and magician. With a diverse background in photography, advertising, film, theatre, and event management, he has established himself as a skilled magician. Hailing from a small Lithuanian town, Rokas has headlined shows across Europe and the USA, earning two Guinness World Records. He gained international recognition by fooling Penn & Teller on their hit American show, “Penn & Teller: Fool Us,” and also hosts Lithuania’s singing competition show, “I Can See Your Voice.” Rokas offers a captivating and family-friendly blend of illusions, mindreading, and sleight of hand in his performances.

Chris “Orbit” Brown is a versatile magician, cardist, entrepreneur, and influential figure within the playing card community. He is the visionary behind Orbit, a thriving underground hub for cardists and card enthusiasts. Chris’s contributions to the community are substantial, encompassing innovative products, mind-bending effects, ingenious card techniques, and comprehensive tutorials. Notably, he’s the creative force behind “Orbit Playing Cards,” a testament to his boundless talents and extensive experience. Chris’s repertoire also includes the remarkable “Rainman Algorithm,” a jaw-dropping feat that enables him to instantaneously determine various dates related to a spectator’s birthday. In the realm of playing cards, Chris “Orbit” Brown stands as a true luminary.

Hailing from a small village in Alsace, France, Donovan Haessy embarked on his magical journey at an early age. In 2017, at the age of 19, he first captivated audiences with his street magic on “La France a un Incroyable Talent,” securing a spot in the semi-finals with his mesmerizing performances. With a TikTok following exceeding two million, Donovan has become a sensation among younger audiences. Renowned for his viral videos featuring celebrities like Will Smith and Gad Elmaleh, he is now 22 years old and back in Paris with his highly interactive one-man magic show, offering an evening of enchantment and amazement, where you become a part of the magic.

Felipe “Mojave” Ramos, the Brazilian poker sensation and GGPoker Ambassador, has earned over $2.6 million in his poker career. He burst onto the poker scene by defeating his boss in his first-ever game and later won a BSOP event in São Paulo in 2007, kickstarting his professional journey. Ramos made history as the first Brazilian to reach the final table in a $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha WSOP event. His ambassador roles with partypoker and PokerStars solidified his status as a top player, earning him recognition as the best in Latin America by The Global Poker Index in 2017. In 2020, he joined GGPoker and continues to thrive in the poker world. Married to fellow player Natalie Hof, they welcomed their daughter Luna in 2019, adding a personal touch to his impressive poker career.

Beate Staack – known as Bea – is a holistic spiritual tarot expert and purpose coach. She uses Tarot as a tool for self-knowledge and map of the subconscious. As a Purpose Coach, she specialises in the topic of life purpose. In addition to tarot consultations, she has been training in the Waite-Smith tarot in online courses since 2020. Among them are now also German celebrities. She is successfully active as an influencer on Instagram. Her vision is, by growing the collective consciousnes, to create a world with better people. She is convinced that tarot is one of the best tools for this purpose and therefore tries to make the Tarot available to the masses as a holistic, professional tool and to clear up the last dusty prejudices.

Instagram: @tarot_official
Homepage: www.tarot-academy.de

Alex Pandrea is a magician and entrepreneur known for his contributions to the world of magic and playing cards. He is the founder of The Blue Crown, a company that produces magic tricks, instructional videos, and playing cards. Pandrea has released several instructional DVDs and online tutorials that teach various magic tricks and cardistry techniques. One of his most notable contributions to the world of playing cards is the creation of the NOC (Nothing Only Color) series of playing cards. These decks are known for their minimalist design, with a focus on simplicity and elegance.

Kristen is a YouTuber and social media influencer who has shared her life with an audience of over a million people online for the past four years. Alex is a talented web designer who balances a career in both the corporate and creative fields. Together, they host the podcast, Oddvice, where they share their life and career experiences and give advice to their listeners in a clever, yet approachable way.