Chris Cheng is about as unique as they come — though the simple superlative “unique” doesn’t really cut it. He’s a white-collar techie with successful careers at some of the biggest and most recognizable tech companies in the world. He’s a self-taught gun enthusiast who took the prize in Season 4 of History Channel’s Top Shot. He’s a musician who sings for the San Francisco Symphony Chorus. He’s highly educated, with a bachelor’s degree from UCLA and a masters from Middlebury Institute of International Studies. He also cofounded a nonprofit to help build homes for those less fortunate and authored a book. Did we mention “unique” doesn’t cut it?
There’s a popular meme that goes something like this: “No matter how good you are at something, there’s always an Asian who does it better.” It’s good for a chuckle, but in all seriousness, how can one person be so good at so many different things?
Besides being whip-smart, Cheng is focused, determined, disciplined, and passionate. He has that uncommon ability to combine a rigorous mindset with flexibility and creativity. His five-year plans for himself have their own five-year plans, constantly expanding and evolving. As he proved with his Top Shot win, he’s an extremely fast learner and, once he puts his mind to something, is driven to be the best he can possibly be.
RECOIL visited with Cheng at a new property in Northern California that he recently stumbled upon and bought. Like him, it’s quite unique, with a home and acreage in a beautiful redwood forest, yet still accessible to Amazon deliveries and Uber Eats. Barely a few months had gone by before Cheng had already watched a bunch of YouTube videos, acquired heavy machinery from Caterpillar, and was working the land. Go big or go home.
Since , Cheng’s involvement in the shooting community expanded beyond competition and fully into gun-rights advocacy. As an Asian man who’s also gay, he’s breaking down barriers and stereotypes for both Asians and the LGBTQ community when
