available for pre-order on Kickstarter
Be among the first to receive The Purple Heart Battalion, a powerful new World War II historical novel about courage, loyalty, and the Japanese American soldiers who fought for America while their families were incarcerated at home.
Pre-order now through Kickstarter and help bring this story to readers across the country.
ABOUT CHRIS
Chris Cheng worked for Google from 2007 to 2012 in a variety of roles before taking an unexpected leap into the outdoor industry. In 2011, despite having no formal shooting instruction or competitive shooting awards, he auditioned for the History Channel’s Top Shot Season 4.
Cheng went on to defeat 17 professional marksmen to become the Top Shot Season 4 Champion, earning a $100,000 grand prize, the title of “Top Shot,” and a professional marksman contract with Bass Pro Shops.
Following his victory, he left Google in 2012 to pursue a full-time career as a media personality, consultant, and leader within the firearms community.
He returned to Silicon Valley and worked for Square, Inc from 2015-2022 as a business executive. He retired in 2022 to focus on writing and bringing the story of “The Purple Heart Battalion” to life.
Cheng is a co-founder and board member of the Asian Pacific American Gun Owners Association, founded to fight back against Asian hate which started during the 2020 pandemic. He is also on the board for the Pink Pistols / Operation Blazing Sword, a long standing pro-LGBT, pro-2A organization.
Hobbies & Interests
Outside of his professional work, Cheng enjoys exploring foodie culture, playing poker, and traveling.
He also has a strong background in the performing arts, serving on the Board of Directors for the San Francisco Opera BRAVO! Club from 2010 to 2012, volunteering as a baritone with the San Francisco Symphony Chorus from 2010-2021, and playing double bass in orchestras and jazz bands throughout his youth.
author
Chris Cheng is an author whose work combines authentic experience, meticulous research, and compelling storytelling. His first book, “Shoot to Win: Tips, Tactics, and Techniques to Help You Shoot Like a Pro,” draws on his remarkable journey from Google employee to champion marksman, offering practical instruction alongside lessons in preparation, resilience, and performing under pressure.
Expanding beyond nonfiction, Cheng is making his fiction debut with “The Purple Heart Battalion,” a historical novel inspired by the legendary 100th Battalion / 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the highly decorated Japanese American unit that served during World War II. Blending real history with fictional characters, the novel explores themes of courage, sacrifice, identity, and American patriotism while honoring the extraordinary legacy of the soldiers who fought for a country that questioned their loyalty.
advocate
Chris Cheng is a longtime advocate for civil rights and responsible firearms ownership. He has worked closely with the National Rifle Association, the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Outreach Advisory Council, and the California Rifle & Pistol Association to promote the shooting sports and defend Second Amendment rights.
He is also a Lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and a member of both the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s media program and the Professional Outdoor Media Association.
Beyond the firearms community, Cheng co-founded Home for a Home, a nonprofit organization that partners with real estate professionals to help build homes for families in need, and a three-time participant in the AIDS/LifeCycle, raising nearly $20,000 to support HIV/AIDS services and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
educator
Chris Cheng educates audiences on responsible firearms ownership, Second Amendment issues, leadership, and personal growth. Drawing from his unconventional journey—from Google employee with no formal shooting background to national shooting champion—he demonstrates the value of preparation, resilience, continuous learning, and challenging assumptions.
Through media appearances, consulting, and educational outreach, Cheng works to make shooting sports more accessible while encouraging informed, respectful conversations about firearms and civil rights.
Cheng’s “Firearms 101” video series with the NSSF has been viewed 10M times.
speaker
Chris Cheng is an engaging keynote speaker who combines humor, authenticity, and real-world experience to inspire audiences. His presentations draw on his unlikely rise from Google employee to Top Shot champion, offering lessons on overcoming self-doubt, embracing opportunity, leadership under pressure, and succeeding in unfamiliar environments.
He also speaks on topics including innovation, diversity within the outdoor industry, civil rights, responsible firearms ownership, resilience, and finding the confidence to pursue ambitious goals.