Cillian O’Connor is a super-talented, 15-year-old magician! 🪄
He is Ireland’s real-life Harry Potter, as he can rack up magic tricks so fast and so smoothly, that he broke a world record with his talent.
And what record is that?
Well, he achieved the most magic tricks performed in one minute (under 16) – meaning by a person who’s under 16 years old!
Cillian’s jaw-dropping performance consisted of 28 magic tricks in just 60 seconds, including making a wand appear out of nowhere and making pencils… disappear. 😮
The magician even did a trick that changed the colour of 2 pieces of silk!
But how?!
"To achieve my goal, I researched the current record and different techniques that might work," he told us.
Cillian’s story is featured in the latest edition of our book Guinness World Records 2025.
And if you’re wondering how that feels…
“It feels incredible," Cillian told us.
“[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."
In fact, Cillian is one of this year’s Young Achievers, the outstanding record breakers of tomorrow. 🤩
From explorers to athletes, the Young Achievers are kids under the age of 16 who broke amazing records with their talents and constant dedication!
Would you like the chance to break a world record?
Check out our Set a record page, full of record titles you can attempt if you’re under 16!
Who knows, you might discover that you have a hidden talent.
“The Guinness World Records book has been a part of my family since my parents were young,” Cillian explained. “They used to get the books for Christmas, and the tradition continues.”
Do you also get the Guinness World Records book every Christmas as a present? 🎁
In 2023, Cillian also competed in the 16th edition of Britain’s Got Talent, where he was placed 3rd overall during the final!
That’s pretty cool, right?!
But how did Cillian discover his passion for magic?
Well, his uncle showed him a magic trick when he was 7, and he was instantly in love with it.
However, he truly became a magic enthusiast when he saw fellow magician and YouTube Star Issy Simpson during Britain’s Got Talent, who finished the competition as the runner-up in 2017…
“Issy was only 8 at the time, the same age as me,” Cillian explained. 🤯
“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."
Today, some of Cillian’s favourite tricks involve cards – and he really is amazing at them!
Being diagnosed with autism at a young age, Cillian also shared that magic has helped him communicate better, socialize and make friends:
“I’ve 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.”
What are some of your hobbies and interests? 🙋♂️
Cillian has achieved so many great things at such a young age, and he hopes that this latest achievement will inspire other kids his age:
“I want to inspire other kids, just like Issy inspired me. I would love to be able to bring magic into schools, as a form of therapy someday.”
Would you like magic as a school subject?
Lastly, Cillian encourages all of you to “dream big and not be afraid to chase [your] own Guinness World Records title."
So, what are you waiting for?
Check out our under-16 records, and you could the next Young Achiever!
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