The International Federation of Magic Societies (FISM) (Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques) was founded on September 5, 1948, and is one of the most respected organizations in the magic community. It is an international body coordinating dozens of national and international clubs and federations around the world. Together these clubs represent approximately 80,000 magicians from 50 countries and 110 member organizations as of 2022.[1] The organization hosts a self-named "FISM" conference every three years, where magicians compete for "Best of" categories. The most recent FISM was in 2022, held in Quebec City, Canada.[2]
Founded in 1948, it is one of the most recognized magic organizations in the magic circle. The FISM organizes a worldwide magic convention every three years. The member organizations fight for the right to host. Top magicians from all over the world will compete for the title of "World Magic Champion". Prior to this, various regions will hold regional selections. FISM Europe, FISM Asia, FISM North America, FISM Latin America, FISM Africa, FISM Oceania, and member organizations have the quotas recommended by their regional selection committees.
The roots of the FISM began in Paris, France, in 1937, at a meeting of the 34-year-old ASAP, Association Syndicale des Artistes Prestidigitateurs (Association of prestidigitation artists), which had a monthly magazine Le Journal de la Prestidigitation. The group's vice-president, Dr. Jules Dhotel, wanted the ASAP to produce an international convention in Paris in October 1939, and then proceed to have the convention in a different country each year. Plans proceeded, but when the Nazis invaded Poland in September 1939, the convention was cancelled. After World War II, progress resumed. In 1946, a hotel in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, hosted an International Congress of Magicians, with over 300 registrants from around Europe. There were lectures, exhibits of antique books and apparatus, tours of Amsterdam, a public show, and a contest in which 20 magicians took part. There were no categories, so only one set of awards. First prize went to amateur French magician Jean Valton, for an exceptional routine of card juggling and manipulation; second went to Scotland's amateur magician John Ramsay, and third to a professional husband-wife duo, De Flezkis, who combined magic and dance.
The 1947『Congrès Magique International』brought in 500 attendees from 18 countries, and 70 participants in the competition. Meetings at that convention were held to discuss the creation of a formal international organization, and that was where the FISM title was proposed. While details were worked out, the『Congrès』conventions continued annually.
FISM's stated aim is to create a centralized "voice" for the magic world and to help develop, elevate, and promote the art of magic. It coordinates activities of member societies and encourages communication between them, as well as the exchange of services. It has a corporate identity and a team of professional marketers. It also serves a capacity in the realm of intellectual property, fighting against the copying or inappropriate release of magical inventions or routines.
The FISM is probably best known for conducting one of the premier magic conventions in the world, the triennial "World Championship of Magic" (WCM).
Fred Kaps is the only three-time winner of the grand prize (1950, 1955, 1961).[3]
The 2000 convention was held in Lisbon, Portugal, where the Grand-Prix award in stage magic was won by Scott & Muriel from Netherlands.[4]
The 2003 convention was held in The Hague, Netherlands, where the Grand-Prix award in close-up magic was won by Jason Latimer from the US, and the Grand Prix award in the stage magic division was won by Norbert Ferré from France.[4]
The 2006 convention was held in Stockholm, Sweden, where the Grand-Prix award in close-up magic was won by Rick Merrill from the US, and the Grand Prix award in the stage magic division was won by Pilou from France.[4]
The 2009 convention was held in Beijing, China, where the Grand-Prix award in close-up magic was won by Shawn Farquhar from Canada, and the Grand Prix award in the stage magic division was won by Soma from Hungary.[4]
FISM WCM 2012 was held in Blackpool, England:[5] Grand Prix Stage: Yu Ho Jin (South Korea) - Grand Prix Close-up: Yann Frisch (France)
FISM WCM 2015 was held in Rimini, Italy, where the Grand Prix award in Stage was won by Hector Mancha (Spain) and Grand Prix Close-up was won by Pierric (Switzerland)
FISM WCM 2018 was held in Busan, South Korea, Grand Prix Stage: Miguel Muñoz (Spain), Grand Prix Close-up: Eric Chien (Taiwan)
FISM WCM 2022 was held in Quebec City, Canada, where the Grand Prix awards were won by Laurent Piron and Simon Coronel
