Pepper Pong Ventures Onto Shark Tank With Hopes of Investment

Pepper Pong, a newly developed table tennis variant created in Denver, is set to gain national attention as it appears on the popular television program «Shark Tank.» On November 22, 2024, viewers will see the game’s creator, Tom Filippini, present his invention to a panel of potential investors known as the ‘sharks’ on ABC‘s hit show.

Tom Filippini, the founder of Pepper Pong, describes his invention as a portable, user-friendly game that resembles traditional ping-pong but with significant improvements. «Much like pickleball has leveled the playing field in larger racket sports, Pepper Pong levels the playing field in ping-pong,» Filippini explains. The game is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for players of all skill levels, whether they are new to the game or experienced players.

The setup includes a stand-alone net, four paddles, and three specially designed balls varying in density. Filippini notes that these elements make Pepper Pong more approachable while minimizing common issues with traditional ping-pong, such as equipment fragility and storage challenges. The game is described as quieter and more convenient, suitable for spontaneous play in various settings.

Filippini, a dedicated entrepreneur, traces the roots of Pepper Pong back to his childhood in Chicago, where he played ping-pong with his siblings. However, his passion for developing the game intensified during a personal battle with alcohol addiction in 2016. It was during this period that he realized traditional ping-pong’s limitations, inspiring him to create a more engaging and accessible version.

The simplicity and adaptability of Pepper Pong are central to its appeal, offering the option to play on almost any surface, from tabletops to outdoor settings. Additionally, the game incorporates unique rules, such as preferential serving for older players and advantages for trailing teams, aimed at preventing lopsided matches.

Pepper Pong also embraces a culinary twist by naming its balls after different peppers – jalapeño, habanero, and ghost pepper – each representing a different bounce level, akin to their positions on the Scoville scale.

As a featured product on «Shark Tank,» Filippini hopes to secure investment and gain exposure to broaden the game’s market reach. He reports that even though the filming process was intense, it was a valuable experience. «It was a rigorous process, but a really positive one,» he reflects, adding that while the experience was educational, it was not suited for a long-term acting career.

Ultimately, Filippini’s aim goes beyond financial success; he aspires to foster social interaction away from digital devices, citing the «isolation epidemic» aggravated by excessive phone usage. The public will learn the fate of Pepper Pong’s pitch as the episode airs at 6 p.m. MST on November 22 on ABC.