Magic performance at the IBM British Ring Convention
IBM British Ring No.25

Where performers step forward.

For generations, competition has been part of the British Ring Convention — giving magicians the opportunity to present their work, challenge themselves, entertain fellow performers and become part of British magical history.

Since 1958 Close-up competition history
Stage British Ring Shield
Close-Up Zina Bennett Trophy
Micro Magic Ali Bongo Marathon
Competition & Performance

More than simply winning a trophy

The competitions held during the annual IBM British Ring Convention have helped generations of magicians develop their acts, test new ideas and perform before an audience that understands and appreciates the craft of magic.

Competitors have included enthusiastic newcomers, experienced club performers and professional entertainers. Many have gone on to become respected names within British and international magic.

For the audience, the competitions provide something equally special: the opportunity to see original magic, new personalities and emerging performers before knowing who the judges will ultimately choose.

The Competitions

Three very different ways to perform

From the theatre stage to intimate close-up performance, the Convention celebrates different disciplines, personalities and approaches to the art of magic.

Stage magic competition at the IBM British Ring Convention
Stage
Convention Competition

British Ring Shield

Stage Competition

One of the centrepieces of the annual Convention. Performers present a polished stage act before fellow magicians, Convention guests and an experienced judging panel, competing for one of the British Ring’s best-known competition honours.

Close-up magic competition at the IBM British Ring Convention
Close-Up
Convention Competition

Zina Bennett Trophy

Close-Up Competition

Close-up magic places the performer only a few feet from the audience. Sleight of hand, presentation, originality and audience engagement all come together in this long-established Convention competition.

Micro magic performance at the IBM British Ring Convention
Micro
Convention Competition

Ali Bongo Micro Magic Marathon

Social Close-Up Competition

A lively and informal competition inspired by the late Ali Bongo. Performers work in real social conditions, bringing close-up magic directly to groups around the venue while Convention guests enjoy the action.

Historic Honours

Different qualities deserve recognition

British Ring competition history includes specialist awards recognising individual qualities within magical performance — from technical manipulation to comedy and originality.

British Ring magic competition trophies and awards
Manipulation

Dittia Shield

Recognising excellence in manipulation and highly skilled technical stage magic.

Originality

Conventioneers Trophy

Presented in recognition of originality, creativity and fresh thinking within a competition performance.

Comedy

Tom Harris Cup

Celebrating the performer who combines strong magic with outstanding comedy and entertainment.

Stage Award

Theo Speaker Cup

One of the historic honours associated with British Ring stage competition performances.

A Long Competition Tradition

Generations of magical performers

The British Ring archives trace the Close-up Trophy back to 1958. Since then, Convention competitions and awards have provided a stage for countless performers, personalities and magical ideas.

1958 First recorded Close-up Trophy
Historic IBM British Ring Convention competition
Previous Winners

Names in British Ring history

Every competition adds another performer to the Convention story. Below is a recent snapshot from the historical Ali Bongo Micro Magic competition records.

2025
Dave Baker
Micro Magic Competition Winner
2024
David Gemmell
Micro Magic Competition Winner
2023
Terry Herbert
Micro Magic Competition Winner
2022
Nikola Arkane
Micro Magic Competition Winner
2019
Nikola Arkane
Micro Magic Competition Winner
2018
Bernard Jones
Micro Magic Competition Winner

The British Ring has a much larger historical competition archive. Further stage, close-up and specialist award winners can be added as historical records are transferred into the new website.

Through The Years

A continuing tradition

Competition has evolved with the Convention, but the principle remains the same: give magicians somewhere to perform, experiment and be recognised.

1958

Close-Up Competition History Begins

The British Ring competition archive records the first Close-up Trophy in 1958, beginning a competition tradition that has continued through generations of performers.

1960

Comedy Recognised

John “Sly” Smith became an early recipient of the Tom Harris Cup for Comedy, demonstrating how entertainment and personality have always been valued alongside technical skill.

1995

Close-Up Excellence

David Penn received the Zina Bennett Cup for Close-Up Magic, joining the long list of accomplished performers associated with British Ring competition history.

2011

Stage Performance Honours

The stage competitions continued to recognise different qualities within performance, including manipulation and overall stage achievement.

Today

The Tradition Continues

Competition remains an important part of the annual British Ring Convention programme, giving established performers and new competitors the opportunity to share their magic.

Performers at an IBM British Ring Convention
Beyond The Competition

The magic continues after the judging

The annual Convention has always been about more than a programme of formal events. Some of the most memorable magic happens when performers and friends simply get together.

Step Forward

Could your name be next?

Whether you are developing your first competition act or already have years of performing experience, the British Ring Convention offers an opportunity to share your magic with people who understand the work behind a performance.

Stage Magic
Close-Up
Micro Magic
Originality
Comedy
Specialist Awards
Magician performing in a British Ring competition
Annual Convention

I.B.M. British Ring 89th Annual Convention

18 September 2027  ·  Eastbourne

Join performers, lecturers, dealers, competitors and magic enthusiasts for the next IBM British Ring No.25 Convention.

Explore The Convention