In a moment of immense pride for India and the global magic community, Suhani Shah has etched her name into the annals of history by winning the Best Magic Creator award at the FISM World Championship of Magic 2025, held in Turin, Italy. This prestigious recognition marks a landmark achievement not only for Indian magicians but also for digital creators worldwide.
Often referred to as the “Olympics of Magic,” FISM (Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques) is the most prestigious platform for magicians worldwide. Shah’s victory is groundbreaking. She is the first Indian to win in the category and among the few women ever honored at this level.
The competition, which saw participation from over 2,500 magicians across more than 50 countries, included formidable contestants like Jack Rhodes, Jason Ladanye, and Mohammad Imani. Yet, it was Suhani Shah’s deeply engaging blend of mentalism, storytelling, and digital flair that captivated the judges.
Suhani Shah’s win also comes at a time when magic is evolving beyond traditional stage performances. In a progressive move, FISM introduced a new category in 2025, Digital Magic, to honor creators leveraging platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. With a digital audience of over 4.5 million on YouTube and 2.1 million on Instagram, Suhani has not only embraced this transformation but has also led it.
Her performances, rooted in psychological illusion and behavioral insight, are celebrated for being emotionally resonant and intellectually engaging. From revealing a presenter’s iPhone passcode to uncovering another’s secret crush during a live event, Shah continues to push boundaries.
Born on January 29, 1990, in Udaipur, Rajasthan, Suhani Shah’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Coming from a Marwadi family with no strong ties to the world of mentalism, she made her onstage debut at just seven years old in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. With unwavering support from her father, a magician himself, she dropped out of school after first grade to pursue her dream full-time.
Over the years, Suhani explored other avenues, including opening a hypnotherapy centre in Goa, but her passion for live performance ultimately brought her back to magic. Her book Unleash Your Inner Power captures this journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Speaking after the win, Suhani Shah said: “To be recognised on a platform like FISM is humbling. It validates not just years of hard work, but the journey of making the ancient art of magic modern, accessible, and relevant to today’s audience.”
Her achievement challenges gender and geographic stereotypes in a field long dominated by male Western performers. It also signals the growing global relevance of Indian talent in the arts, especially in the burgeoning field of digital content creation.
Past Grand Prix winners at FISM include legends like Shin Lim, Eric Chien, and Yu Ho Jin. Suhani Shah’s inclusion in this elite group brings not only personal acclaim but also broadens the representation of Indian artists on global platforms.
With jurors like Dynamo, Chris Ramsay, Michael Ammar, and Xavier Mortimer evaluating performances, Suhani’s win under such esteemed eyes adds even more weight to her accomplishment.
