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You recently saw the epic conclusion of the StarCraft II SEA/ANZ Invitational Tournament… but have you met the winners? IAHGames.com gives you an exclusive look at the real lives and minds of the winners, the future cyber-celebrities of our region!

Starting off, we have OxygeN – second runner-up. Also known as Lim Wei Yang in real life, he made his name as a giant-killer in the tournament, beating many favourites to emerge in the top three…

 Say hello to everybody.

Hi! I’m Lim Wei Yang a.k.a. OxygeN, and I have been playing competitive games for 6 years to date. I am from Singapore, currently a full-time student in Ngee Ann Polytechnic pursuing a diploma in Accountancy.

Besides sticking to my computer, I love spending time with my buddies, webcam-ing and MSN-ing with them, hanging out, soccer, chatting and having late-night suppers!

When did you first start playing StarCraft® II: Wings of Liberty™?

I first started when it was in the beta phase, around Patch 10, so it was about June, during my common test! ( which I did quite badly for! :x )

I have played StarCraft I before, but not competitively.

What drew you into the competitive gaming part of the StarCraft series?

StarCraft II is very similar to WarCraft® III: Reign of Chaos™ in my opinion, and since WarCraft III was dying out, I made the switch. This was a new game, very hyped, and I believed its community would be awesome. Which it really is! :)

How often do you play to get your skills to this level?

I haven't really played much so far, as I’ve been busy with studies since the launch. I clock in at least 3 hours a day if I do play.

What do you like best about StarCraft II?

I like how diverse the strategies are – the many play styles, transitions, and room for innovation. I like using out-of-the-box strategies and this game is the ideal platform to flex my mind.

What skills and abilities are needed to be a capable competitive gamer?

In my opinion, a competitive gamer needs to accept criticism, improve on his skills, and not give up as everybody who plays competitive games will run into a rough patch occasionally.

How do you feel about your win?

I feel really good, though the win has been marred by many unnecessary comments from the community. I’ve had some supporters, and then some "dis-likers" so I'm sure it evens out…

Will you share some training/playing tips with our readers?

Sure! To anyone intending to play StarCraft II competitively, just remember to understand why you lose or win a game. Everyone starts with the same resources, so never think that someone has won because that person is too good for you… It’s all even when each game starts.

Do you play other games besides StarCraft II?

I played WarCraft III and Defense of the Ancients competitively, and before that, 2Moons, MU-Online, and Gunbound. Right now I'm only playing StarCraft II as I do not have time to juggle between so many games.

What do you think about Asians’ opinions of semi-pro or pro gamers?

Pro gamers are HUGE stars to young Asians, especially in China and Korea. They are idolized, like how one would idolize soccer players such as Steven Gerrard or Fernado Torres. Of course, mainstream society still think “its just a hobby”, and studies come first, especially in Singapore.

Stay tuned to IAHGames.com for our exclusive interview of the first runner-up and champion of this tournament!