Well, I came home empty-handed. Because they need to get my name engraved on the trophy for the newcomer's category before I get to keep it for a year. I also get a year specific smaller cup that I get to keep permanently.





I did a haunted deck routine using a set of tarot cards I claimed I'd been left by my grandfather, and although my shaking hands meant I had to leave out the twist at the end, the 85% of the routine I left in worked just fine, mystified the volunteers sat up at the table with me, impressed the judges and drew applause from the whole audience.

Performing for non-magicians is nerve-wracking.
Performing for magicians is scary.
Magicians who're actively judging my act and timing me?

Fucking terrifying.

But I'm really glad I did it, and I was placed first in the category for the "Virgin Cup" which is awarded to the best performance by someone who's not only new to the competition, but who has in fact never performed any sort of magic at the club before. My first demonstration of my skills - and I got an award.

As I commented to a good friend on twitter last night, I'm gonna need me a new moon 'cos I'm so over this one! (c:

I am, of course, already in my head planning next year's routine. Especially as I can't win this cup twice.