Minnesota magician Justin Flom to compete on new reality show 'The World's Best'

Photo by Bre McGee

At least one Minnesotan will be competing for the title of "The World's Best." Producers for the reality-competition series, which premieres right after the Super Bowl this Sunday, aren't sharing a lot of details about who will perform on this global vaudeville series, but exec Ben Winston couldn't help but spill the beans Wednesday about a magician who was raised in Eden Prairie.

"I remember a magician called Justin Flom, who I personally had never heard of and I was surprised I hadn't heard of him," said Winston, who is also an exec producer of "The Late, Late Show With James Corden." "We started doing a deep dive on videos of him, and I was, like, "Oh, my God, how is that guy not world famous?" And I remember that was a moment that we all got very excited in my office that day."

Winston's amazement led to an invite on the 10-episode series. CBS would not say when Flom's already taped appearance would air, but it won't be on Sunday. If Flom comes out victorious, he'll go home with $1 million.

Flom was the co-creator of the Syfy series, "Wizard Wars," and has appeared on many talk shows, including "Ellen" and "The Today Show."

Flom, who was traveling to Iowa for a gig Wednesday, said by email that he was thrilled to be included in the series.

Flom was featured in a 2014 Star Tribune profile.

For a full story on "World's Best," see Sunday's edition of the Star Tribune.