Chris Cheng facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chris Cheng
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| Born | December 14, 1979 |
| Nationality |  American |
| Alma mater | University of California, Los Angeles (B.A.) Monterey Institute of International Studies (M.A.) |
| Occupation | Professional Marksman & Spokesman for Bass Pro Shops |
| Known for | Season 4 Champion of History Channel's Top Shot competition |
Chris Cheng, born on December 14, 1979, in Mission Viejo, California, is an American professional sport shooter. He became famous as the Season 4 Champion of Top Shot, a competition show on The History Channel. In 2012, after winning the "Top Shot" title, Chris received a $100,000 prize and a contract to work as a professional marksman for Bass Pro Shops, a major outdoor retailer.
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Chris Cheng's Early Life and Education
Chris Cheng was born to Maggie and Benjamin Cheng. His mother has Japanese Cuban heritage, and his father is Chinese American. He also has a younger sister named Allison.
School and College Years
Chris attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) from 1998 to 2003. There, he studied Political Science, focusing on American government and media. He later earned a master's degree in International Policy Studies from the Monterey Institute of International Studies. During his master's program, he specialized in solving conflicts and international negotiations. He was also the president of his class. Chris can speak Spanish fluently. He also has a special certification in Advanced Project Management from Stanford University.
Leadership and Community Work
While at UCLA, Chris was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He helped restart his chapter at UCLA and held many leadership roles. In 2001, he won the top prize in UCLA's Spring Sing talent show. In 2003, Chris helped lead the UCLA Dance Marathon, a 26-hour event where students and staff raised $54,000 for a children's health foundation. This event was one of the biggest college fundraisers on the West Coast. When he graduated in 2003, he received the "UCLA Chancellor's Service Award" for his community work.
Chris Cheng's Career
Chris Cheng has had an interesting career path, moving from technology to professional shooting.
Working at Google
From 2007 to 2012, Chris worked for Google Inc.. He mainly provided technical support for Google Apps and also led a product team for Google's program that helps nonprofit organizations. Chris was also part of the GoogleEDU leadership team, where he trained others on communication and leadership skills. In June 2012, he left Google to focus full-time on his professional marksman contract.
Professional Marksman and Advocate
As a professional marksman, Chris tours Bass Pro Shops stores across the country, meeting customers. He competes in various shooting competitions like Multi-Gun, USPSA, IDPA, and IPSC. Chris also works with the National Rifle Association of America (NRA) and the National Shooting Sports Foundation to help promote the sport of shooting. He is a lifetime member of the NRA and is certified to teach pistol, rifle, and shotgun use.
Books and TV Appearances
Chris wrote a book called "Shoot to Win". In his book, he shares how he trained to win Top Shot and how he motivates himself to succeed in life. He also writes about firearms and his experiences after Top Shot for The Firearm Blog.
Chris was featured in the 2013 documentary Assaulted: Civil Rights Under Fire. He appeared in 13 episodes of Top Shot Season 4 and was a special guest on the premiere and finale of Top Shot Season 5: All-Stars.
Public Speaking and Advocacy
Chris Cheng is a public speaker who inspires audiences. He also produces a web series called Top Shot Chris Cheng that can be watched on CarbonTV. In January 2020, Chris joined the Board of Directors of Pink Pistols, an organization that helps people learn about gun safety and self-defense. He stated that he was excited to help more people understand how self-defense can protect communities.
Other Interests
Chris Cheng has many interests outside of shooting.
Music and Arts
He is on the board of directors for the BRAVO! Club of the San Francisco Opera. He also volunteers as a baritone singer for the San Francisco Symphony Chorus. From ages 13 to 22, he played the double bass in both orchestras and jazz bands.
Community Service
Chris is a co-founder of Home for a Home, a nonprofit organization. This group collects donations from real estate professionals to build homes for people who need them.
In December 2013, Chris shared on his official blog that he hoped to help break down stereotypes about people and gun enthusiasts.
