Key Takeaways
- Van der Put created the Piff the Magic Dragon persona in 2008.
- His career was significantly boosted by TV appearances, starting with “Penn & Teller: Fool Us” in 2011.
- His Las Vegas residency at The Flamingo earns $1.5 million to $2 million annually.
Piff the Magic Dragon, a British magician and comedian known for his deadpan humor and magic with his chihuahua, Mr. Piffles, has an estimated net worth of $3 to $5 million as of December 2024.
His source of wealth comes from live performances, TV appearances, a Las Vegas residency, merchandise, tours, and digital content, cementing his success in comedy and magic.
His love for magic began in his teenage years, inspired by Jerry Sadowitz’s performance on the BBC2 show “Stuff the White Rabbit.”
By 18, he had joined The Magic Circle, becoming one of its youngest lecturers.
After a brief career in IT and training at the Central School of Speech and Drama, he created his stage persona, Piff the Magic Dragon, in 2008.
With a mix of wit, magic, and Mr. Piffles’ charm, he quickly gained attention, performing at events such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where his solo show set records and won multiple awards.
A significant portion of Piff’s income comes from television appearances, which skyrocketed his popularity.
His 2011 debut on “Penn & Teller: Fool Us” showcased his comedic and magical talent, while his breakthrough came on America’s Got Talent in 2015.
Performers on AGT can earn between $30,000 and $50,000 per appearance through sponsorships and collaborations, and Piff’s journey, including earning Neil Patrick Harris’s Golden Buzzer, added to his financial success.
Piff’s regular appearances on AGT specials and other shows, such as the 2024 season of “Queer Eye,” further boosted his visibility and income.
One of Piff’s most lucrative ventures is his Las Vegas residency at The Flamingo Hotel and Casino, where he earns around $1.5 million to $2 million annually.
Starting in 2015, his residency has included over 500 performances, and in 2020, his show moved to the larger Flamingo Showroom under a three-year contract.
Touring is another profitable aspect of his career, with performances at prestigious venues like the Sydney Opera House and international comedy festivals, where he earns an estimated $10,000 to $20,000 per show.
As of December 2024, his official site indicates that new tour dates for 2025 are forthcoming.
Piff’s income extends beyond live performances, with merchandise sales (featuring Piff and his chihuahua sidekick, Mr. Piffles) contributing between $250,000 and $500,000 annually.
He also generates revenue from his YouTube channel, which has over 140K subscribers.
In addition to these ventures, Piff has authored “Piff the Magic Book vol. 1,” which not only offers fans another way to engage with his work but also generates additional income.
The book is available in ebook format for $52.00, while the standard edition is priced at $69.95.
His expertise in magic has led him to serve as a consultant for theatre companies, adding another layer to his earnings.
Combined, these ventures have established Piff the Magic Dragon as a multifaceted entertainer, significantly contributing to his impressive net worth.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Piff the Magic Dragon, whose real name is John van der Put, was born on June 9, 1980, in London, England, UK.
- He gives credit to magician Letitia Winter (Fay Presto) for supporting his path to becoming a professional magician.
- Throughout his career, he won several honors, including the 2008 British Ring Close-up Magician of the Year and The Magic Circle’s 2011 Close-up and 2012 Stage Magician of the Year, earning Inner Ring Gold Star induction in 2013.
