A talented young musician and rising star from Chiswick has scooped the top prize in the Mayor's busking competition.

Luca Fiore, 22, was crowned Gigs champion 2015, winning the soloist and duo (aged 16-25) category, bringing a six-month search to find London's best busker to an end.

The singer and guitarist's win has granted him a coveted year's licence to busk on the London Underground, courtesy of Transport for London.

Luca said: “It is a great honour to be crowned Gigs winner.

"I have enjoyed every minute of my time busking on London’s streets.

"This competition has given me an incredible platform to build my confidence and ability to perform in front of large crowds.

"I’m really thrilled and having the licence to perform on the Underground will be truly invaluable to me.”

Organised by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, Gigs attracted 240 entries, with 190 acts being selected to perform live at 24 busy London locations during the summer, including at the first ever National Busking Day as part of the Busk in London Festival.

The Chiswick-based singer-songwriter beat hundreds of acts to reach the final 18 and take top honours in the Gigs grand final at Westfield Stratford City on Sunday (September 6).

His mix of interest in music genres from rock and metal to pop and classical; combined with lyrics inspired by real-life experiences has secured him gigs in the past at The Palm Beach Casino and Cafe Royal; as well as opening for artists like Paloma Faith at international festivals.

Mr Johnson said: “Massive congratulations to Luca. Over the summer, our Gigs competitors enlivened some of London’s most iconic locations with their top talent.

"The standard of the finalists has been extraordinarily high which was showcased at the Grand Final.

"Gigs is all about giving stars in the making an opportunity to have their music heard by the masses, and to develop their craft.

"I’m very proud that many of our competitors have gone on to have marvellous success across the country and internationally.

"I wish the same great success to Luca and all those who took part in Gigs 2015.”

Youth category winner (aged 11-15):

Josh Tenor, 14, from Hackney, received a Roland Cube Street amp.

Groups category winner:

Boyband Dat Brass, from Islington, won recording time in a top studio.

Other prize winners:

  • Alex James Ellison, 22, from Lewisham, won a busking day trip to Paris on Eurostar
  • Simeon Baker, of Southwark, won time with top industry songwriters
  • Cat Burns, 14, from Lambeth, won a training and coaching package at the Institute of Contemporary Music