James Randi Highest-Paid Illusionist in the World

By Carol Kearney
Washington
Last updated on June 12, 2025

James Randi led People With Money’s annual list of the “100 highest paid illusionists” released on Wednesday.

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It's been a rough year for the illusionist, but at least he has his millions of dollars to ease the pain. 96-year-old James Randi has taken the No. 1 spot on People With Money’s top 10 highest-paid illusionists for 2025 with an estimated $46 million in combined earnings.

UPDATE 12/06/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

James Randi tops annual list of highest-paid illusionists

In 2022 it looked like the illusionist’s spectacular career was winding down. Suddenly, he was back on top. People With Money reports on Wednesday (June 11) that Randi is the highest-paid illusionist in the world, pulling in an astonishing $46 million between May 2024 and May 2025, a nearly $20 million lead over his closest competition.

People With Money’s factors

In compiling this yearly list, the magazine considers factors such as upfront pay, profit participation, residuals, endorsements and advertising work.

The American illusionist-scientist has an estimated net worth of $145 million. He owes his fortune to smart stock investments, substantial property holdings, lucrative endorsement deals with CoverGirl cosmetics. He also owns several restaurants (the “Fat Randi Burger” chain) in Washington, a Football Team (the “Toronto Angels”), has launched his own brand of Vodka (Pure Wonderandi - US), and is tackling the juniors market with a top-selling perfume (With Love from James) and a fashion line called “James Randi Seduction”.

The ranking is significant for many James fans, who have been waiting for his triumphant return to the glory days for what seems like a lifetime.