Topas is born on July 20, 1972 in Stuttgart, Germany. In 1979 Topas encounters the art of magic for the first time - by receiving a Ravensburger magic set. Soon it becomes clear, this bond will last for a lifetime. In 1982, at the age of eighteen only, Topas performs for the Magic Circle of Stuttgart. He picks cards from thin air and cuts a rope in two, only to restore it a moment later. In 1986 Topas becomes the youngest member of the Magic Circle of Germany. In October he successfully performs at his first magic competition: At the magic convention in Brussels, Belgium, Topas wins first price in the junior category. Even though he is only fourteen years old he receives the highest score of the entire competition. 1987, Annual convention of the Magic Circle in Hamburg: with his manipulation act with bells and sunglasses Topas becomes the new celebrated German champion of junior magic. In the same year he competes at the international championships in Krems, Austria and receives the Grand Prix - this time in the regular category! This award leads to a 10-day-engagement in the famous ‘Theater and der Wien’ in Vienna, Austria, where he successfully performs with internationally known stars (Paul Daniels, among others).