We spoke to the world-famous Mexican magician Mago Samed, who earned a prestigious award for his residency at a historic Las Vegas location.
Clark County is investing $30 million into transforming the Historic Commercial Center District shopping plaza into a cultural hub in Las Vegas, but that isn’t the only reason you won’t believe your eyes when visiting the 30-acre area near Sahara and Maryland Parkway.
The legendary Mago Samed (real name Edgar Monárrez), a world-famous magician from Culiacan, Mexico, performs a thrilling show of mind-bending illusions at the Commercial Center’s Composers Room Showlounge & Restaurant on Sundays at 3 p.m.
His residency production, “Beyond Reality: The Magic of Samed,” is a spectacle for all ages, incorporating inventive stagecraft, compelling showmanship, and a touch of glitz and glamour.
On August 8, the magician accepted the Merlin Award for Best Illusionist México 2025 during a celebratory show and reception presented by the International Magicians Society (IMS) at the Composers Room.
The most prestigious accolade in the magic world, the award is often referred to as the Oscar of Magic, with past recipients including David Copperfield, Criss Angel, Penn & Teller, and Shin Lim.
“I’m very excited … very happy for this moment,” said Samed in Spanish through an English translator before the ceremony. “I have been trying for this for two decades … to achieve this beautiful achievement and this gift.”
Inspired to learn magic as a child after his father showed him some magic tricks, he decided right then and there “to become the best illusionist in the world,” even traveling to Europe and the U.S. to prepare. He encourages all kids to come and see the show and hopes “to inspire a new generation” like his father did for him.
During the interview, Samed was joined by his wife and creative producer, Paola Rodríguez, who performs with him on stage. She referred to their collaboration and the award as a “blessing.”
The couple has two children, a boy and a girl, who also love magic.
The award ceremony took place on the Composers Room’s Showlounge Stage in front of a packed crowd of friends, family, fans, and fellow performers. The evening included a full menu of cuisine, cocktails, and live music by Latin musicians, including a strong and emotional performance by guitarist and singer Nelson Terán.
Next up, four glitzy showgirls doing high kicks introduced a high-energy performance by Samed and Rodriguez.
The award was then presented to Samed by Tony Hassini and Danny T, world president and Latin American ambassador for IMS, respectively. Clark County also honored the magician by naming August 8 as Mago Samed Day.
With a distinctive blend of vintage charm and contemporary entertainment, the Composers Room is currently celebrating its second year at the Commercial Center. It is located near the main entrance in a space that was originally occupied by the Rat Pack-era hangout, the Commercial Deli.
Tickets for “Beyond Reality: The Magic of Samed” can be pre-purchased online. A $5 fee is added for tickets purchased at the door.
