By Sean Chaffin
A big part of the WPT final tables at the HyperX Esports Arena has been some of the entertainment for fans before the final table gets underway and during breaks. Performances by professional magician Justin Flom was a nice treat during the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open and Choctaw.
His unique card tricks brought some big applause from those in the audience. One of the biggest hits was his “playing card mega mix,” in which he and manipulated decks of cards to produce correct number combinations while a mix of songs played with differing numbers as part of the lyrics.
For example, fans of ‘80s music may remember the song “867-5309” by Tommy Tutone. As the well-known chorus played, he instantly produced the corresponding cards in order.
Flom is originally from Minnesota and tours all over the country. WPT.com spoke with him about his life in magic and being part of the Champions Cup Finals here in Las Vegas.
https://youtu.be/ZfILMMez2m4
How has the experience been here with the WPT in the Esports Arena?
It’s amazing to watch poker played on this level. I’m a playing card lover on the magic side of things. Poker’s on a totally other spectrum that is like magic to me because I can’t even comprehend it.
Do you play poker at all?
I don’t play. The deck of cards is far too tempting for me to grab and do some nefarious things with.
How did you get into magic?
My dad was a magician, so I grew up in a real magic family. My brothers, little sister, and uncle were all magicians. I’ve been doing magic with a deck of cards since I was 2 or 3 years old.
You’re now touring all across the country, when did your career really take off?
It really took off when Ellen Degeneres brought me on her show. That was where things really changed. And then I went on tour with the band Florida-Georgia Line, and I opened their show with magic. A country-rock ‘n’ roll show with magic – it was insane.
What do you think about performing in Las Vegas?
I live here. If you’re a musician or songwriter then you want to live in Nashville. If you’re a magician, you’ve got to live in Vegas. All my buddies, they create the impossible with me. We’re always figuring out ways to defraud U.S. currency for magic purposes or make it look like we can read minds – all fun, it’s amazing.
Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer in Crandall, Texas, and his work appears in numerous websites and publications. Follow him on Twitter @PokerTraditions.
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