London, July 9 : 'Lord Of The Rings' wizard Gandalf, played by Sir Ian McKellen has topped a poll of world's favourite wizard, beating Harry Potter, in a survey conducted by cinema advertising firm Pearl and Dean.

Gandalf, who got 44 percent of the votes, was followed by Professor Albus Dumbledore, brought to life by Sir Michael Gambon in Harry Potter came second with 17 percent of the votes.

Author J.K. Rowling's young wizard Potter played by Brit actor Daniel Radcliffe was ranked third with 9 percent of the votes.

Spokeswoman Kathryn Jacob said that wizards with beards have stolen the show from a clean-shaven Potter.

"When it comes to movie wizards the bigger the beard the better. So young Harry simply can't compete," the Sun quoted Jacob, as saying.

Merlin the magician, from Disney's 'The Sword In The Stone' and wonderful 'Wizard of Oz' from the eternal 1939 film was placed at the forth and fifth places respectively.

The five world's favourite wizards' list compiled by Pearl and Dean is as follows:

1) Gandalf

2) Professor Albus Dumbledore

3) Harry Potter

4) Merlin the magician

5) Wizard of Oz