The Day I Predicted the Future: My 2018 FIFA World Cup Triump
As the sun crept over the Arabian Gulf, casting golden rays across my JBR apartment in Dubai, I stood at the window, heart racing like a drumroll before a grand reveal. It was Monday, July 16, 2018, and the world was still buzzing from the FIFA World Cup Final. But for me, Nabeel Bera, who wants to be Dubai’s premier magician, the real spectacle was about to unfold on the Kris Fade Show at Virgin Radio Dubai. A sealed envelope, entrusted to host Kris Fade the night before, held my audacious prediction—not just of the winner, but the exact score, pivotal moments, and even headlines from that day’s news. This wasn’t just a magic trick; it was a high-stakes gamble that could either cement my reputation or leave me scrambling in the spotlight.
The journey to this moment began weeks earlier. As a magician who’d will later on perform for global icons like Cartier, Google, and Rolls-Royce across 11 countries, I thrived on pushing boundaries. But predicting the outcome of the world’s biggest sporting event? That was a whole new level of daring. My preparation was a meticulous dance of intuition, analysis, and that elusive spark of magic I’ve honed over years. When I walked into the Virgin Radio studio the previous evening, handing Kris that double-sealed envelope—complete with a tamper-proof sticker—I felt the weight of every word inside. “Keep it safe,” I told him, my voice steady despite the storm of nerves within. “Don’t let anyone touch it.”
That morning, as I flipped through the Khaleej Times, each headline felt like a taunt. “French Revolution,” screamed the front page, celebrating France’s victory. Another article mentioned visa fee relief for tourists under 18. Even a cheeky note about a Britney Spears wardrobe malfunction caught my eye. I’d predicted these, too, in a mock newspaper page tucked inside the envelope. But what if I’d miscalculated? What if France’s 4-2 win over Croatia, the VAR controversy, or Hugo Lloris’s fumble didn’t align with my vision? The thought was a cold knot in my stomach. Failure wasn’t an option—not when I’d just moved to Dubai from Bahrain, eager to make my mark.
Stepping into the Virgin Radio studio, the air crackled with anticipation. Kris, a master showman, had the Instagram Live feed rolling, amplifying the moment for thousands. The sealed envelope sat like a ticking time bomb. As Kris opened it, my pulse thundered, every nerve alight with dread and exhilaration. You can see it in the video—my hands steady, but my eyes betraying the storm inside. Then, Kris read aloud: “France will win by scoring four goals, and Croatia will score one or two goals.” A gasp rippled through the studio. The score: 4-2, exactly as I’d written.
But I wasn’t done. “First World Cup to use VAR, so it will play a major role in the final,” Kris continued, his voice tinged with disbelief. “There was a penalty because of VAR.” The memory of that controversial call, with Croatian players protesting, flashed through my mind. Nailed it. Then, the clincher: “French goalkeeper will make a mistake, and the ball will go in.” Hugo Lloris’s fumble, gifting Croatia a goal, was now etched in World Cup history—and in my prediction. The studio was electric, the hosts’ jaws practically on the floor.
The real magic, though, was the mock newspaper page I’d crafted. Kris unfolded it, revealing a headline: “French Revolution.” It matched the Khaleej Times front page to a tee. Another note predicted the visa fee relief for tourists under 18, and yes, even that Britney Spears wardrobe malfunction made the cut. The hosts erupted, their skepticism melting into awe. “How did he do that?” Kris demanded, half-laughing, half-stunned. I just smiled and said, “You’re the judge.” A magician never spills his secrets, but let’s just say it was a tapestry of mentalism, showmanship, and a touch of something unexplainable.
The studio didn’t stop there. Seizing the moment, I pulled off two impromptu tricks. A caller, Arnold, picked the number 25—already written on my business card. Another, Sarah, named the nine of hearts; I revealed the eight of hearts from my wallet with “off by one” scrawled on it, sparking laughter and cheers. The Instagram Live feed exploded with comments, my handle @onewithmagic lighting up with new followers. That day wasn’t just a prediction; it was a performance that turned heads and opened hearts.
The aftermath was a whirlwind. The video of the reveal, now a crown jewel on the Kris Fade Show YouTube channel, became a promotional goldmine. Clients clamored for “that guy who predicted the World Cup,” from corporate galas to private parties across Dubai. It was a launchpad for my career in the UAE, proving that magic isn’t just tricks—it’s about crafting moments that linger. That envelope didn’t just predict a football match; it predicted my future, cementing my place as a magician who could make the impossible real.
Looking back, those nerve-wracking minutes in the studio remain one of my proudest performances. The goosebumps still come when I watch the video, reliving the gasps, the cheers, and the sheer wonder. Want to see it for yourself? Check out the full reveal on the Kris Fade Show YouTube channel or my Instagram @onewithmagic. Here is the link for the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiZU6daIvQk&t=116s