In the fiercely competitive world of fighting games, where skill, dedication, and quick reflexes define a player’s legacy, Lin Li-wei, better known as Oil King, has emerged as one of the most respected figures. As the EVO Japan 2023 champion and a recent bronze medalist at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, Oil King’s achievements have made an impact not only in Taiwan but also on the global stage, inspiring fans and aspiring players alike.

In an exclusive interview with us at gamescom asia 2024, Oil King reflected on his journey, unforgettable moments, and the challenges of adapting to new games.

Career Highlights

When asked about the most memorable moments of his career, Oil King pointed to his historic victory at EVO Japan 2023. Competing in Japan, where the tournament atmosphere is intense, his win meant more than just a championship.

Japan is considered one of the toughest regions for fighting games because of the many strong players there, – Oil King

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Another standout memory was representing Taiwan at the 2022 Asian Games, marking esports’ first inclusion in such a prestigious event. Securing a bronze medal, he shared that the experience went beyond the podium.

“You never imagine that gaming can lead to an Asian Games medal. It was incredible,” Oil King said, adding that returning to Taiwan to meet the president made the event even more historic.

The Mental and Physical Toll of Competition

For any esports player, enduring long hours and competitive stress requires a unique set of skills. Oil King emphasized the importance of physical training to support mental resilience during demanding tournaments.

“In fighting game tournaments, you might play for 5 to 8 hours a day. If you don’t train your body properly, fatigue will set in, which increases pressure and makes it hard to focus,” he explained.

His training includes weekly sessions with a personal trainer, which he sees as crucial for maintaining the stamina needed for long hours at the console. In addition, he strengthens his mind with the help of an esports psychologist, a practice that isn’t widespread but has been invaluable to his career.

“Once a month, I talk to an esports psychologist to discuss competitive aspects,” Oil King shared.

Street Fighter 6: Bringing Opportunities or Challenges?

The shift to Street Fighter 6 has introduced complex new mechanics that change the game’s landscape, and Oil King sees both pros and cons in this evolution. He noted that these mechanics offer exciting opportunities for newcomers.

Features like Drive Impact give a real sense of interaction, and Modern Control lets you play without learning complex inputs, – Oil King

However, for veteran players, Street Fighter 6 presents a steep learning curve, requiring a significant time investment to master.

“If you want to excel, you need to spend a lot of time understanding the game fully,” Oil King said. Without a deep grasp of the intricacies, it’s challenging to compete at a high level. Professional play doesn’t leave room for hesitation, with Drive Rush, Drive Impact, and surprise attacks keeping players constantly on guard.

Advice for Aspiring Pros

For newcomers aspiring to go pro, Oil King suggests a balanced approach. Fighting game tournaments are open events, meaning anyone can join, but he advises against diving in headfirst without preparation.

“In the beginning, you don’t need to go all-in,” he said.

Before fully committing to an esports career, he spent two years balancing a job while competing, choosing to focus solely on gaming only after seeing considerable improvement.

“I think most people should start this way,” he added, recommending that young players treat it as a primary hobby while continuing with studies or work until they’re confident in their competitive potential.

Reflecting on today’s talent pool, Oil King is optimistic but finds it hard to name favorites given the sheer number of skilled players in the community.

Looking back, I could easily list ten prominent players from Street Fighter IV, but now there are so many talented players, – Oil King

The high level of competition makes it difficult to predict champions, which enhances the viewer experience.

There are so many strong players now, which is great for viewers. It means you have more players to support and more thrilling matches to watch. – Oil King

While in Singapore, he proudly mentioned another regional talent, Ho Kun Xian, also known as Xian.

“Since I’m in Singapore now, I’d like to mention Xian from Singapore!” he said.

Expressing Gratitude

Singapore super CPT got 13th,
Lose two my good friends @zhennnkuang & @ChrisWong1028 ,
Next will be Japan CPT,
let’s try to come back again.
special thanks my best team @TwisMinds
&@redbullgaming support pic.twitter.com/Ox4HHAz5AA

— Oil King 五股石油王 (@LeevyLin) October 20, 2024

Oil King, grateful for the unwavering support from fans in Taiwan and around the world, expressed his heartfelt thanks.

“I want to thank the fans for their ongoing support,” he said, acknowledging the ups and downs that come with competitive gaming. “Even though I see myself as a top player, my performance isn’t always stable; sometimes I rank low, and sometimes I rank high.”

Despite all that, his fans’ faith in him has been a source of motivation and pride.

I promise to work hard to maintain my performance and deliver great results and matches for everyone to see. Thank you for believing in me! – Oil King