Tom Filippini lives in Denver is ready to pitch his tabletop game Pepper Pong in Episode 6 of ‘Shark TankSeason 16 Friday, November 22. The portable pickleball-ping pong hybrid has already been praised by New York Post as “the next pickleball that can be played anywhere, anytime, by anyone.”

Besides the fun it promises, Pepper Pong aims to be a game that helps people make connections and overcome challenges, so several Sharks are likely to show interest in the Philippines’ unique venture.

What is Pepper Pong?

Pepper Pong, a portable pickleball-ping pong hybrid that debuted on the market last year, is designed to eliminate skill differences between players and can be set up on any flat surface, from a large table to the top of a cooler.

It consists of three different types of peppers (balls), a portable net and a mullet (paddle). The concept of the game is similar to pickleball, but since it is played on a smaller scale, anyone can participate.

But it’s not ping pong either. According to websitethe game is unique due to its equipment, rules and mobility; one of the main differences is that it is silent.

Number of players: There are either two or four players.

Included equipment: A “fence” (net), four foam-coated “mullets” (paddles) and a “pepper” (ball) chosen from three variations from lower to higher bounce are included in the equipment.

Rules: The oldest player serves only after you have selected a pepper, located a level (or nearly level) surface, and decided who will play. Hit the ball back and forth until it either misses the table completely or hits the same side twice.

Regardless of who earned, the rally winner gets a point. Either three or five matches make up a match, and matches go to eleven (must win by two). Official regulations are detailed here.

Who is the founder of Pepper Pong?

Tom Filippini, a recovering alcoholic from Denver, spent hundreds of hours playing table tennis ten years ago. He had no idea that once he recovered, he would submit a revised version of the game to ‘Shark Tank.’

During treatment, Tom discovered that ping-pong was a useful tool for overcoming social isolation, but it needed a makeover. However, he believed that the language, rules, equipment and game needed to be updated. Then he came up with the idea for Pepper Pong, a game that embraces all ages and skill levels, adaptable to any table and a universal boredom buster, in 2016.

The underlying goal of Pepper Pong is to fight addiction, per Filippini, a self-described alcoholic, lifelong racket sports enthusiast and serial entrepreneur (he co-founded Exclusive Resorts). That’s why he donates kits to addiction centers around the country.

How much does it cost and how do you make Pepper Pong?

Currently, Pepper Pong is being offered for the promotional price of $69.99 (retail will be $99.99). The entire set is available for purchase at Pepper Pong’s official website.

Where is Pepper Pong now?

Tom Filippini and his crew distribute pepper pong sets to addiction treatment facilities across the country through an initiative called Rally 4 Recovery. He also shares his story of hitting his lowest point and acting out during speeches.

He believes his appearance on “Shark Tank” will highlight his game and purpose even more. According to the company, Pepper Pong sets are donated to addiction treatment facilities across the country because the game was created through addiction rehabilitation and sobriety.

More profoundly, its creator, Filippini, stated that Pepper Pong aims to reduce the “epidemic of isolation” caused by cell phone use by attracting people to interact and play with each other, much like he did when he used ping-pong to help kick alcoholism. years ago.

Who will steal the deal?

Mark Cuban could make the deal with Pepper Pong.

“Shark Tank” Season 16, Episode 5 airs ABC Friday, November 22, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET. Check out the latest episode featuring products like Pepper Pong, KaAn’s Designs, Taverns-To-Go and FOAM Cooler.

For those who miss the episode, it will be available on demand the following day and beyond Hulu. Additionally, viewers can explore past seasons and episodes on Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.