Fernando Velasco is a magician who has captivated audiences around the world with his amazing skills and mesmerizing performances. With his unique blend of illusion, sleight of hand, and mind-reading, Velasco has become one of the most sought-after magicians in the industry. Born and raised in Spain, Velasco discovered his passion for magic at a young age. He started performing small tricks for friends and family, and as he honed his skills, his talent became undeniable. Velasco's shows are known for their high energy, humor, and audience participation, making them a hit with people of all ages. Over the years, Velasco has developed a range of illusions that leave spectators in awe.

About the Show

Break away from the screen and experience live entertainment like never before with Champions Of Magic – an evening of impossible illusions and spectacular special effects. Described by the press as ‘The Avengers of magic’ catch the only team of magicians in the world as they present their original, phenomenal ensemble illusions.

They’ve sold out shows across the globe, been featured on every major US TV network and racked up over over 50 million views online… but you haven’t seen magic until you’ve seen it live! The Champions Of Magic cast present incredible interactive magic, a daring escape from Houdini’s water torture cell, a mind-blowing prediction that has to be seen to be believed, levitation high above the stage and a finale beyond explanation. The show happens all around the theatre and features spectacular illusions that can’t be seen anywhere else.

Don’t miss this unbelievable show to entertain the entire family and see why fans return to see one of the world’s biggest touring illusion shows time and time again. Tickets for Champions Of Magic are on sale now.

Young & Strange met when they were 8 years old, their early childhood friendship was cemented with a common interest in all things magic. They spent their early teenage years attempting, and failing, to make Las Vegas style illusions with cardboard and tape. With little money, they were forced to innovate, creating original illusions and magic tricks – this early experience has led them to become one of the most unique illusion acts in the world.

In recent years their relentless development and innovation of spectacular illusions and live shows have landed them spots on prime time television and the biggest stages around the world.

In addition to Live performances Young & Strange also create online video content which showcases original formats for magic. Their video ‘Young & Strange take Las Vegas to Television’ included the illusionists videobombing the background of a Live Sky News broadcast which went viral on the internet and had over 30 million views across various video sharing networks in just a few days. The Sky News video bomb also garnered attention from national and international publications including Rolling Stone, Time Magazine, Huffington Post, MTV and Cosmopolitan Magazine.

“That secret kept quiet for the rest of your lives will make you one of the best magic acts the world has ever seen”
Penn Jillette on Young & Strange

Alex McAleer possesses the uncanny ability to apparently tap into his audiences' minds and read their thoughts at will. However he doesn’t pretend to be a ‘psychic’ who reads fortunes or talks to the dead. Instead he reads people and talks to the living, combining contemporary mind reading with sharp wit and a flair for showmanship.

Being an only-child, Alex had many hobbies growing-up, including magic, but it wasn’t until his mother passed away when he was fourteen years old that he dedicated his life to studying the manipulation techniques of psychics, mentalists, and hypnotists. Gradually, he taught himself the unusual skills and techniques that would eventually take him all over the world.

Alex has gone on to make countless international television appearances including ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Seven Network’s Today Tonight (Australia), and NBC’s Access Hollywood.

Alex is also a successful writer in the magic world, having written several books on his own techniques and delivered lectures to psychology students, mentalists, and magicians at the prestigious Magic Circle.

“Get this man out my studio. He’s possessed by the devil.”
BBC Radio

Hollie has appeared on America’s Got Talent, Showtime At The Apollo, Masters Of Illusion and The Go Big Show. Her career in magic has seen her perform in London’s West End, Hollywood’s Magic Castle, as a headliner in Las Vegas and on tour across the globe.

A trained dancer and musical theatre performer, Hollie found herself transitioning into the magic world after constantly getting hired as 'the girl in the box'. After working with many illusionists, she went on to associate produce, cast, direct and/ or choreograph multiple record-breaking Broadway shows, international tours and immersive magic attractions for companies such as Cirque Du Soleil.

For her, magic is about trying to create something uniquely beautiful. and just maybe, convincing you for a few seconds that miracles might exist.

From the moment he steps on stage, Fernando Velasco’s powerful persona commands your attention, and his fantastically impossible magic and death-defying escapes will leave you breathless and amazed. At only 21 years old, Fernando is pushing the boundaries of what a young escapologist can do, and is already the world’s youngest to perform magic’s most dangerous illusion, the Houdini Water Torture Cell.

Born in Mexico, Fernando was 11 years old when he immigrated to Southern California when his passion for magic took him to the world famous Hollywood Magic Castle where he was taught the "tricks of the trade" by some of America's leading illusionists, quickly mastering the art and winning accolades and awards from his mentors in the magic community.

With multiple international tours under his belt, and an act featuring some of the most incredible escapes and illusions in the industry, one can only wonder what’s next for Fernando. But one thing’s for sure: it will be amazing, it will be mind-blowing, and it’ll be big.

“Worthy of Our Video Game and Instagram Times… 20-year-old Mexican-American escape artist Fernando Velasco scores big with his straightjacketed Jaws of Death escape when he gets out just before the crushing snap”
Paper City Houston

Champions of Magic review: Illusions, wonders, and a pocket full of mind-blowing tricks

I grew up admiring the one and only true magician, David Copperfield. I admit that I am hard to please when it comes to magic, and it takes a lot to convince my rational mind that what I just experienced was impossible and truly magical.

When I was introduced to Champions of Magic – a team of 5 world-class illusionists, including Hollie England, Alex McAlleer, Fernando Velasco, and the duo Younge and Strange – I did not doubt that I had to see the show with my own eyes and unveil their secrets.

Champions of Magic is a show featuring five incredible illusionists, each bringing different talents or mysterious superpowers to the stage. Seated in the Mezzanine 3 at Meridian Hall, I was expecting to be blown away by tricks, illusions, and the same level of excitement as the buzzing, sold-out hall around me.

The show included grand illusions, card and money tricks, and live entertainment with special effects. Every hero of the night presented a different trick to amuse the audience, and I must admit that with each trick, a question hung on my lips – how did they do that? My eyes were playing tricks on me throughout the entire show.

Being a little harsh, I must say that the first half of the show was filled with “magic” tricks that could be considered cheap street tricks I have encountered before while travelling around the world. Although it wasn’t spectacular or gigantic, there was still a moment of absolute surprise and disbelief.

One of the illusionists among the five stood out with his numbers, and each performance under his direction was genuinely unique and breathtaking. The way he spoke to the audience and introduced his “magic” left a deep impression and added one more star to this review.

The show is 2 hours and 15 minutes long, including an intermission. I am very sorry to have witnessed that the couple sitting next to us didn’t come back after the break. I guess they weren’t impressed with mind-reading, card box stabbing, or celebrity guessing in the middle of the audience.

I am more sorry for them because the second half brought even bigger performances and illusions, topping the entire show with an energized and upbeat grand finale. The last twenty minutes of the show erased all the cheap tricks and set the real Las Vegas magic night show mood that everyone in the audience, including me, enjoyed.

Catch the magic of the Meridian Hall holiday season and see the Champions Of Magic show from December 27th to December 31st in Toronto!

Maria Rostecka, Content Specialist, The Onside Media, Canada
Based in Toronto, Ontario

Hi! I’m Maria Rostecka, a Content Specialist at The Onside Media, Canada, with a focus on arts and entertainment, business, tech and culinary. If you have a compelling story to share, don’t hesitate to reach out at [email protected].

• TAGS
• Alex McAlleer
• Champions Of Magic
• Fernando Velasco
• Hollie England
• Maria Rostecka
• Meridian Hall
• Toronto

Canada's Magic

I was delighted to receive an invitation to email interview Fernando Velasco, as part of a Champions of Magic promotion. You may already know that Velasco was presented with the 2018 Junior Achievement Award at the Magic Castle earlier this year.

What a dream receiving this award was over the weekend, big Thanks to the AMA (thanks Steve & David for presenting it) huge thanks to my manager/mentor/ Director Chuck Jones, who is always… https://t.co/9Otpl6J073

What is your first memory of magic?

I must have been around 7, and my dad (who lived in the US while i still lived in Mexico) took me a DVD from the US with a number of magicians on it. there i started to fall in love with magic.

I used to think "THAT is real magic" and would invite all my neighborhood friends to come over and watch this DVD with "REAL magic."

Mexican magician Joaquin Ayala, along with Copperfield, and naturally HOUDINI.

What would have been in store for you had you not caught the magic bug?

Why do you think audiences are still drawn to escapes, sleight of hand, and illusion?

Who inspires you that is not a magician?

Mexican singer Alejandro Fernandez as it feels like he gives it all on stage every time.

What's special about Champions of Magic draws large audiences on 6 UK tours and 3 North American tours over the past 6 years?

You've performed in many different countries. Have you experienced anything specific about Canadian audiences in particular?

They are up for the fun.

Do you have any pre-show rituals?
I sing, terribly but I try to sing. As well as sometimes I watch live performances of my favorite singers/bands. I feel like I take on their energy for the show.

Too many to tell!

(Sam) Strange and I often go urban exploring and that's fun.

@ChampionsMagic
There i was minding my own business (as usual)
. LOOKING FOR SOME TACOS. 🌮🇲🇽❤️
Somehow I’ve ended up in a very sketchy part of town ( shown in this picture) .
FYI in case I don’t make it to tonight’s show pic.twitter.com/BsCt91Izb3

Doing little things to have fun with the other performers and crew on stage. Like playing tag on stage (without the audience noticing anything) among other small things.

If you could be endowed with the talent to take on any Broadway role past or present, who would you pick and why?

Aladdin. Because I had a dream I played him!

What's your Canadian connection to magic?

Velasco also experienced, for his very first time, the magic of real snow in Toronto last December!

Thank you Fernando Velasco for making the time to answer our questions!

Catch the Champions of Magic on tour in Canada!

• 12/8/19 Brandon, MB
• 12/12/19 Ottawa, ON TD Place
• 12/14/19 Oshawa, ON
• 12/15/19 Laval, QC
• 1/16/20 Saskatoon, SK SaskTel Centre
• 1/17/20 Regina, SK Conexus Arts Centre
• 1/26/20 Prince George, BC

Over the years, Velasco has developed a range of illusions that leave spectators in awe. From making objects disappear and reappear to reading minds and predicting future events, his repertoire of tricks is extensive and constantly evolving. Velasco's ability to connect with his audience on a personal level sets him apart from other magicians, creating an unforgettable experience for all who witness his performances.

In addition to his live shows, Velasco has also made several television appearances, showcasing his talents to a wider audience. He has appeared on popular shows such as "America's Got Talent" and "Penn & Teller: Fool Us," where he has astounded judges and viewers alike with his mind-boggling tricks. Velasco's charisma and stage presence make him a natural entertainer, and his performances continue to leave a lasting impression on all who see them. Beyond his magic skills, Velasco is known for his dedication and hard work. He spends countless hours practicing and perfecting his tricks, always striving to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of magic. Velasco's passion for his craft shines through in every performance, and his commitment to delivering an unforgettable experience is evident to all who witness his shows. In conclusion, Fernando Velasco is a talented magician who has captured the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide. With his unique blend of illusion, mind-reading, and audience participation, Velasco creates a spellbinding experience for all who see his performances. His dedication, charisma, and undeniable talent have propelled him to the top of the magic industry, and his shows continue to leave a lasting impression on all who are fortunate enough to witness them..

Reviews for "Unraveling the Magic Secrets of Fernando Velasco"

1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with the performance by Fernando Velasco. The tricks were predictable and lacked any real sense of suspense or amazement. It felt like I had seen them all before. Additionally, the stage setting was dull and unimpressive. Overall, I wouldn't recommend attending his show if you're looking for a truly mind-blowing magical experience.

2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - I honestly don't understand how Fernando Velasco has gained such popularity as a magician. His tricks were so poorly executed that it was easy to see how he was pulling them off. The entire show felt like a cheap imitation of more talented magicians, and it left me feeling underwhelmed. Save your money and find a magician who can actually deliver impressive and awe-inspiring tricks.

3. David - 2.5/5 stars - While Fernando Velasco had some moments of minor intrigue, overall, his performance fell flat. The pacing of the show was off, with too much time spent on unnecessary banter between tricks. Additionally, some of the tricks seemed outdated and lacked the contemporary edge that many other magicians have embraced. I wouldn't say it was a terrible show, but there are certainly better options out there for fans of magic.

4. Emily - 2/5 stars - Fernando Velasco's magic show left much to be desired. The tricks he performed were basic and unimpressive, and it was obvious what his techniques were. There was no sense of mystery or wonder, which is a key element of a good magic show. I would recommend seeking out a different magician if you're looking for a truly captivating experience.

5. Michael - 1.5/5 stars - I regret attending Fernando Velasco's magic show. The illusions were poorly executed, and it seemed like he was just going through the motions without putting any real effort into his performance. The lack of creativity and originality was apparent throughout the entire show. If you're a fan of magic, I would suggest looking elsewhere for a more talented and skilled magician.

The Mesmerizing Magic Techniques of Fernando Velasco