The Academy of Magical Arts has officially named Mat Franco as the recipient of the prestigious “Magician of the Year” award for 2025. The announcement was made in a surprise, on-stage presentation during Franco’s long-running Las Vegas production, Magic Reinvented Nightly, at The LINQ Hotel + Casino.
Adding to the magic of the moment, the award was presented live by one of Franco’s lifelong idols—legendary magician Jeff McBride—in front of a sold-out crowd. McBride, himself a former recipient of the honor, helped create a full-circle moment for Franco, whose fascination with as a child watching “World’s Greatest Magic” on NBC.
“I’m honored (and honestly still in shock) to receive ‘Magician of the Year’ from the Academy of Magical Arts and the Hollywood Magic Castle!” Franco shared. “I first heard of this award in 1995, watching World’s Greatest Magic on NBC. Alan Thicke introduced Jeff McBride as ‘Magician of the Year,’ and I remember thinking, Whoa… that’s the top of the mountain.”
“Since then, it’s been awarded to legends like Copperfield, Blaine, and Penn & Teller. In magic, we don’t have Oscars or Grammys—but we do have this,” added Franco. “And having Jeff McBride there in person to present it to me, live during my show, made it all the more surreal.”
A fan favorite and winner of America’s Got Talent, Mat Franco has continually pushed the boundaries of live magic, blending storytelling, improvisation, and sleight-of-hand in ways that connect deeply with audiences. His residency at The LINQ Hotel & Experience in Las Vegas will celebrate its 10th Anniversary this summer and, has become a cornerstone of modern magic on the Strip.
“Grateful. Humbled. And so inspired to keep going,” Franco added.
The “Magician of the Year” award is the highest honor bestowed by the Academy of Magical Arts, recognizing exceptional performance, creativity, and impact on the craft. With this recognition, Franco joins a legacy of icons who have redefined what it means to be a magician in the modern era.
