Direct from the Magic Circle:
"This year’s competition for the Devano Trophy, and the title of The Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year 2011, was a very close battle between eight top magicians, some of whom had won the title previously.
"The deserving and popular winner was John van der Put who lit up the room when he came on to perform his vibrant act.
"Second place went to Marc Spelmann, who was also awarded the Originality Prize, whilst James Freedman came third.
"Other competitors included Tim Sutton, Jon Allen, Joe Stone, Chris Wood and Andrew Murray - all displaying their admirable skills in front of the magical judges, Geoffrey Durham, Alan Shaxon and Rajan, as well as three members of the public, who were also judging the competitors."