This interview is a couple of years old but I thought I'd link it because it's as good an explanation of competitive RTS gaming as you're going to find. This fellow (part of the Gnug clan) was a magnificent Total Annihlation player. He dominated CnC Generals, Dawn of War, Empire Earth and has gone on to become a very successful poker player.
http://www.gamereplays.org/community/in ... show=&st=&