Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques
Global body uniting magic clubs and organizing world competitions
The International Federation of Magic Societies is an organization for professional illusionists. Founded in 1948, it coordinates member societies across six continents and hosts the World Championship of Magic.
- Founded in Lausanne in 1948
- Represents over 80,000 magicians
- Holds world championships every three years
- Fred Kaps won the Grand Prix three times
- Organizes continental divisions globally
What it is
The International Federation of Magic Societies serves as a global network for practitioners of stage and close-up magic. It functions as an administrative hub that connects national and regional clubs. The group promotes magic as a legitimate performing art. It also works to protect the intellectual property of routines and inventions from unauthorized exposure. The federation organizes major international events where performers showcase their skills.
Where it comes from
Jules Dhotel proposed the concept of international magic congresses in 1937. A planned gathering in Paris was cancelled due to World War II. After meetings in Amsterdam and Paris in the late 1940s, representatives met in Lausanne in 1948 to formally establish the organization. Early gatherings occurred annually until 1952, after which they shifted to a three-year cycle.
How it is done
The federation operates through a General Assembly composed of representatives from each member society. These members vote on governance and policy. The primary activity involves hosting the World Championship of Magic during its world congresses. Competitors perform in stage and close-up categories. Judges award prizes based on artistic merit and technical skill. Continental divisions organize smaller regional championships under the federation's supervision.
Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques, drawn and placed
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What it is for
The organization aims to foster cooperation among magic societies worldwide. It seeks to preserve the history of the art form. A key goal is opposing the copying of original routines and effects. The federation provides a platform for magicians to compete and gain recognition. It supports the development of magic as a respected profession.
Who does it
Membership consists of professional magicians and magic clubs. Representatives from these societies attend the General Assembly. The leadership includes an International President. Notable figures like Fred Kaps have achieved significant success within this competitive structure. Performers train individually or in local rings before competing internationally.
Peoples and places
Member societies span multiple continents. Asian groups include organizations in Japan, Bangladesh, China, Malaysia, and Taiwan. European bodies are numerous, covering nations like Italy, Russia, and France. North American and Latin American federations also participate. Oceania has a single registered society. The diversity of members reflects the global reach of the performing art.
At a glance: who, where and when
Who does it
When it is done
The World Championship occurs every three years. Past events have taken place in cities like Turin. Future championships are scheduled for Busan. The timing allows for extensive preparation by competitors. Regional contests follow their own schedules but align with the main world event.
Today
The federation continues to operate from Lausanne. It maintains a large database of member societies. Recent championships highlight current trends in performance. The organization adapts to changes in technology and audience expectations while preserving traditional methods of judging and competition.
Questions people ask about Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques
What is FISM?
It is the International Federation of Magic Societies, a global body that unites magic clubs and organizes world competitions for stage and close-up performers.
Where did FISM start?
The organization was established in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1948, following earlier proposed congresses and post-war meetings in Europe.
How often are the world championships held?
The World Championship of Magic takes place every three years, featuring competitions in various disciplines judged by experts.
Who leads the organization?
An International President heads the federation, supported by representatives from member societies who govern through a General Assembly.
Which countries participate?
Members come from fifty-one countries across six continents, including significant representation from Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Good reading and sources
- Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryJaadu rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Names and customs differ from one community to the next, and some knowledge is closed to outsiders and left out here. This page describes belief and practice. It does not say that any of it works, it is not a how-to, and it is not medical advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-15.
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