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 a famous American sport shooter. He became well-known as the Season 4 Champion of the TV show Top Shot on The History Channel. In 2012, Chris won the "Top Shot" title. He also received a $100,000 prize and a special job. This job was a professional marksman contract with Bass Pro Shops, a big outdoor store.
Early Life and Education
Chris Cheng was born to Maggie and Benjamin Cheng. His mother has Japanese Cuban roots. His father is Chinese American. Chris also has a younger sister named Allison.
He went to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) from 1998 to 2003. There, he studied Political Science. He focused on how the American government works. Chris also earned a master's degree. This was from the Monterey Institute of International Studies. He learned about solving disagreements and international talks. He was even the president of his class. Chris can speak Spanish very well. He also has a special certificate in Project Management from Stanford University.
While at UCLA, Chris was very active. He was part of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He helped restart his chapter there. He held many leadership roles. In 2001, he won a big award at UCLA's Spring Sing talent show. In 2003, he helped organize the UCLA Dance Marathon. This event raised a lot of money for a children's health foundation. It was one of the biggest college fundraisers on the West Coast. When he graduated, he received the "UCLA Chancellor's Service Award." This award recognized his great service to the university.
Professional Career
Chris Cheng worked for Google Inc. from 2007 to 2012. He helped with technical support for Google Apps. He also led a product team for Google's nonprofit program. Chris was part of the GoogleEDU leadership team. He trained others on talking to people and being good leaders. In June 2012, he left Google. He wanted to focus full-time on his marksman contract.
Today, Chris is a commentator for NRA News. He shares his thoughts on different topics. He also travels to Bass Pro Shops stores. There, he meets customers and promotes shooting sports. Chris takes part in many shooting competitions. These include Multi-Gun, USPSA, IDPA, and IPSC events. He works with the National Rifle Association of America and National Shooting Sports Foundation. They help promote shooting as a sport. Chris is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. He is also a certified instructor for pistols, rifles, and shotguns.
Chris wrote a book called "Shoot to Win". In his book, he shares how he trained to win Top Shot. He also talks about how he motivates himself to succeed in life. Chris is a writer for The Firearm Blog. He writes about firearms and his experiences after Top Shot.
Chris was in a documentary film in 2013. It was called Assaulted: Civil Rights Under Fire. He was also on 13 episodes of Top Shot Season 4. He was a special guest on the first and last episodes of Top Shot Season 5: All-Stars.
Chris Cheng is also a public speaker. He inspires people with his talks. You can find his website and blog at TopShotChris.com. He also produces a web series. It is called Top Shot Chris Cheng and airs on CarbonTV.
Other Interests
Chris Cheng has many other interests. He is on the board of directors for the San Francisco Opera BRAVO! Club. He also volunteers as a baritone singer. He sings with the San Francisco Symphony Chorus. From ages 13 to 22, he played the double bass. He played in both orchestras and jazz bands.
He is a co-founder of Home for a Home. This is a nonprofit group. It collects money from real estate brokers. This money helps build homes for people who need them.
