How did Kong come up on top ?

The show clearly emphasizes on talent. And through out the show I thought Kong "wasn't as talented" as smile, pecon or kazama.

I also noticed how Kong was the one main character that mention "Talent" a lot less and mostly focus on the current skill of other character. Especially with a scene where Kong told his teammates that they will never know and maybe there is talent hidden in their body if they keep trainning.