This talk will be about how CTFs are used in and are apart of the InfoSec culture and how they have helped people like me dive head first into the industry. It will cover personal experiences from CTFs, alongside how they have helped me go from a complete Rookie (who didn't even know how to install Kali!) to Team UK representative for the European Cyber Security Challenge and budding security professional. CTFs are a unique concept, and are not only a great challenge for those in industry - but a fantastic learning tool for those just starting in information security. The versatile use of CTFs allows people from all experiences and backgrounds to come together and share a common ground - which is a concept I will also be talking about.