Real-life Harry Potter breaks record with most magic tricks in one minute
At just 15, Cillian O'Connor has turned a childhood dream into reality.
The student from County Meath, Ireland, is a real-life Harry Potter, racking up magic tricks that look almost too unbelievable to be anything but true magic!
His dexterity allowed Cillian to break the Guinness World Records title for the most magic tricks performed in one minute (under 16).
Cillian’s record-breaking performance included 28 magic tricks in just one minute, including making a wand appear out of (seemingly) nowhere and making pencils disappear.
With a nonchalance that would leave even seasoned magicians in awe, the magician also performed a trick that changed the colour of two pieces of silk.
"To achieve my goal, I researched the current record and different techniques that might work," he explains.
“It feels incredible," Cillian says about being featured in the latest edition of Guinness World Records 2025.
“[Being in the book] was always a dream of mine. I now feel like I am a part of history — something I can share with my kids someday."
This record-breaking feat has earned Cillian more than a place in the pages of the bestselling almanac: he also entered the ranks of the Young Achievers, outstanding record breakers of tomorrow.
From explorers to athletes, the Young Achievers are an assorted group of under-16 record holders who awe us daily with their talents and constant dedication, shaping the world of superlatives despite their youth.
The Guinness World Records book has been a part of my family since my parents were young. They used to get the books for Christmas, and the tradition continues. - Cillian O’Connor
In 2023, Cillian also competed fiercely in the 16th edition of Britain’s Got Talent.
After bewitching the judges with his performances and reaching the final stage of the competition, the young magician placed 3rd overall during the final.
Magic first captured Cillian's imagination when, at the tender age of seven, his uncle showed him a magic trick.
Although that marked the start of a lifelong passion, Cillian’s true enthusiasm for magic tricks truly blossomed when he saw fellow magician and YouTube Star Issy Simpson during Britain’s Got Talent.
Issy finished the competition as the runner-up during the 2017 edition of the popular talent show.
“Issy was only eight at the time, the same age as me,” Cillian recalls, talking about the 11th season of the TV programme.
“I was looking for something to help me engage and interact with people, and I thought maybe magic would help. The rest, as they say, is history."
From there, Cillian immersed himself in the world of magic tricks, always looking for new acts to add to his performances. Today, his favourite tricks are the ones involving playing cards.
My favourite magic trick is a card trick called Triumph, by Dai Vernon.
Thanks to magic, Cillian didn’t only discover a talent: he also found his voice and a way to improve his social skills.
Diagnosed with autism, the teen has been vocal about the beneficial effect that performing magic tricks had on his everyday life overall.
To name one of the many benefits of his hobby, Cillian often talked about his difficulties with socializing and explained how magic performances bridged the distance between himself and others.
“Magic has allowed me to interact more with people,” the teenager says.
“I’ve also made friends with similar interests and travelled to the most amazing places.”
Before, I knew what to say but didn’t quite know how to say it. Now, I use the magic to do the talking for me.
Even if the road to becoming a record holder presented all sorts of challenges to the young magician, including some practical difficulties, the teen believed in his dream and powered through.
Cillian has dyspraxia, a condition that affects coordination and motor skills, and he explained that he had to adapt his magic to fit his abilities.
“Dyspraxia put me at a disadvantage with the choice of tricks I could use, but that didn’t stop me,” he explains when talking about the record.
“I just focused on the ones that would work best for me,” the teenager carried on.
Just like that, as he juggled his schoolwork and friends, Cillian dedicated himself to his hobby. Consequently, the summer of 2023 was devoted to finessing his performance and rehearsing for the record attempt.
“I practised lots and although I got frustrated, I always looked at the end goal,” Cillian says.
I love sharing the joy that magic brings. It makes me happy and others too.
“Magic is for all ages, and there’s always something new to learn,” he explains.
Thanks to his fame, the young magician also had the chance to meet invaluable mentors who gave him tips to improve his craftwork. That’s the case of Simon Cowell, as Cillian competed in his team after being shortlisted for America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League.
"Simon gave me some really good advice," Cillian shares.
However, Simon isn’t the only figure who has guided Cillian during his journey.
His magical mentors include Russ Stevens, who helped hone his skills, and iconic magicians like Dynamo and Shin Lim, personalities who have each carved out their own legendary paths.
When he’s not busy with schoolwork or performances, the record-breaking teenager keeps himself busy with several pastimes, and his interests range from chess and photography to WWE wrestling.
However, no matter what new hobby might pique his interest, Cillian’s passion for magic remains unwavering.
Family is also a cornerstone of the young magician's life.
His parents supported him every step of the way, and are now beyond proud to see him among the Young Achievers.
"They can’t believe I’ll be in the book," he says.
“Out of 53,000 records, only 4,000 make it in, and the fact that I’m one of them is unbelievable.”
Blazing a trail of his own, Cillian hopes that his record will inspire other kids: “I want to inspire other kids, just like Issy inspired me,” he says.
I hope by sharing my story that I can inspire other kids. I would love to be able to bring magic into schools, as a form of therapy someday.
The young magician might be already (officially) amazing, but his thirst for new records is far from satisfied.
Thinking about the future, he’s already eyeing new feats — including performing in Las Vegas and breaking the over-16 version of his current title. Dedicated to adults over 16, the record for most magic tricks performed in one minute was broken in 2024 with a whopping 52.
The title was achieved by Canadian juggler Ian Stewart.
Who knows if Cillian will go for Ian’s record next, snatching the crown of fastest magician in the world!
But the sky is the limit when it comes to record-breaking, and a teenager’s imagination knows no boundaries.
“I might look for something outside the box, too," Cillian adds, ready to turn curiosity and ambition elsewhere.
As for what it means to him to enter the Young Achievers Inductees 2025 and have his name forever remembered in the Guinness World Records book, Cillian says: “Breaking a Guinness World Records title was an unforgettable experience.”
"I hope my story inspires other kids to dream big and not be afraid to chase their own Guinness World Records title."
Embodying the spirit of the Young Achievers, Cillian proves that record-breaking is a multi-faceted reality: with dedication and unwavering passion — and a little sprinkle of magic on top — anything is possible.
Or, as Cillian’s teacher — Ms. Kirwan — would say: "If you truly believe, then anything is possible."