Piff the Magic Dragon: A Las Vegas Success Story

Piff the Magic Dragon, the hilarious, deadpan dragon, is a well-known figure in the Las Vegas entertainment scene. John van der Put, the man behind the persona, has built a successful career, garnering awards for his comedic magic and earning the respect of giants like David Copperfield and Penn and Teller.

• He has had a nine-year residency at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
• His act features his sidekick, Mr. Piffles, the World's Only Magic Performing Chihuahua.
• Piff's unique style has a dedicated following of superfans.

Piff the Magic Dragon's Las Vegas Residency

Piff's journey to becoming a Las Vegas icon wasn't always planned. While he had a vision board with a specific goal of talking to a journalist from his dressing room at the Flamingo, his path wasn't so clear-cut.

• He initially pursued a career in computer science, but his passion for magic led him to pursue it full-time.
• He initially struggled to find success as a close-up magician due to his "resting bitch face," as he puts it.
• The turning point came when he donned a dragon costume at a friend's party, leading to the creation of the Piff the Magic Dragon persona.

A Unique Approach to Magic

Piff's comedic magic is both entertaining and relatable. He uses his persona to break down the barriers between magician and audience, creating an intimate experience.

• He emphasizes the importance of "getting people interested" by making the magic engaging and interactive.
• He cites the importance of having a "story" to hook the audience, similar to how successful entrepreneurs market their products.

The Importance of Mr. Piffles in Piff's Las Vegas Act

Mr. Piffles, the chihuahua, is an integral part of Piff's Las Vegas act. His presence adds a layer of charm and comedic timing to the performance, captivating audiences.

• Mr. Piffles is a rescue dog who has performed with Piff for over 15 years.
• Piff has used scientific methods to ensure Mr. Piffles can enjoy some well-deserved time off, including cloning him.
• The latest clone, Fourtune, is Mr. Piffles 2.0 and continues to charm audiences.

Lessons from Piff the Magic Dragon: Preparing for Success

Piff's success in Las Vegas can be attributed to his dedication, preparation, and willingness to take risks.

• He stresses the importance of being prepared for big moments, like his appearances on America's Got Talent.
• He acknowledges the importance of learning from failure, emphasizing that it can be a valuable tool for growth and innovation.
• He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to be bold and not be afraid to break rules and try new things.

The Las Vegas Magic of Piff the Magic Dragon

Piff the Magic Dragon's success story is a testament to the power of dedication, creativity, and a little bit of magic. He has transformed himself from a struggling close-up magician into a beloved Las Vegas entertainer, proving that with the right blend of talent, hard work, and a little bit of luck, anything is possible.

• Piff's unique brand of comedy magic has made him a household name in Las Vegas.
• His entrepreneurial spirit, combined with his passion for magic, has allowed him to build a successful career.