Short answer: Geno Ploeger is a 22-year-old close-up magician from Hartland, Wisconsin, now based in Arizona, who finished as runner-up on America's Got Talent Season 21 in 2026. A two-time International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM) Close-Up champion, he's known for fast, personal card magic built around storytelling, and for a career inspired by AGT winner Mat Franco.
Quick facts
| Name | Geno Ploeger |
| Style | Close-up card and coin magic, storytelling |
| Hometown | Hartland, Wisconsin |
| Based in | Phoenix area, Arizona |
| Started magic | Age 5 |
| TV | America's Got Talent, Season 21 (2026): runner-up |
| Awards | IBM Youth Close-Up Champion (2019); IBM Adult Close-Up Champion (2024); Society of American Magicians "Stars of Tomorrow" |
| Mentors | Brian LeBoeuf; interned for Mat Franco |
| Online | @genoploegermagic |
How it started: a card trick at Thanksgiving
Geno's magic began at age five, when his grandfather performed a card trick at a Thanksgiving dinner. By eight, he was taking weekly lessons at Big Guy's Magic Shop in Wisconsin under mentor Brian LeBoeuf, and by ten he was performing at conventions and birthday parties. When he was 13, his family moved from Wisconsin to Arizona, where he rebuilt his audience from scratch.
The Mat Franco connection
Watching Mat Franco win AGT in 2014 inspired Geno to pursue magic seriously. He later interned for Franco, and the two performed together in the 2026 AGT finale, a full-circle moment for a young magician who grew up watching his idol win the same show.
Competition success before TV
Geno won the IBM youth close-up competition in 2019, then returned to win the organization's adult Close-Up Championship in 2024. He was named one of the Society of American Magicians' "Stars of Tomorrow" and is a member of Hollywood's Magic Castle. During the pandemic, he moved his act online, performing virtual shows for corporate clients.
His AGT 2026 run
- Audition: four yeses from the judges for a sleight-of-hand card routine.
- Quarterfinals: a routine built around his grandfather earned a standing ovation.
- Semifinals: advanced to the finale in the results show.
- Finale (September 23, 2026): runner-up, behind singer Nene Royal, in a final where two of the top three acts were magicians. The Korean group Hundred Fingers finished third.
Style: why his magic works
Geno's act is close-up card work with a personal story at its core. The magic serves the story, whether it's about his grandfather or his own journey, which is why audiences connect emotionally, not just intellectually. It's a reminder that practising your presentation matters as much as practising your moves.
What's next
Geno is a senior at Arizona State University, double-majoring in acting and marketing. He continues to perform at corporate events and private shows, and shares close-up magic with a large following on social media.
Inspired by Geno? Start here
- Is card magic hard to learn? A realistic timeline
- Card magic basics
- Card magic tricks and sleight of hand magic
- More TV magicians: magicians on AGT, BGT and Fool Us
Frequently asked questions
Who is Geno Ploeger?
A close-up magician from Hartland, Wisconsin, based in Arizona, who was runner-up on America's Got Talent Season 21 in 2026.
Did Geno Ploeger win AGT?
No. He finished second in the Season 21 finale in September 2026. The season was won by singer Nene Royal.
How old is Geno Ploeger?
He was 22 during the 2026 season of America's Got Talent.
Who inspired Geno Ploeger?
His grandfather, who showed him his first card trick, and AGT Season 9 winner Mat Franco, for whom he later interned.
This profile is part of our series on magicians who have appeared on TV. Last updated September 2026.
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