Shivangi Sinha
Tabletop racket sports offer an exciting mix of skill and strategy, pushing players to think fast and react even faster. Ping Pong, with its quick reflexes and intense volleys, is a prime example of this thrilling challenge. But in episode 6 of season 16 of ABC’s ‘Shark Tank,’ a new competitor entered the scene: Pepper Pong. While their game may look similar to Ping Pong at first glance, the creators promise a completely unique experience, offering fresh twists that will redefine how we think about the world of tabletop racket sports.
Pepper Pong: Who Are They and What Do They Do?
In 2016, Tom Filippini from Denver, Colorado, decided to turn his life around by embracing sobriety after struggling with alcohol dependency. During his stay at a rehab facility, amidst the challenging and isolating days, a spark of inspiration struck. While reflecting on his journey to recovery, he noticed a rundown ping-pong table that was no longer playable. Rather than seeing it as a lost cause, Tom envisioned something entirely new, a way to bring optimism and enjoyment back into life—an idea that would eventually lead to the creation of something unique.
During his time at the rehab facility, Tom found solace in playing ping pong and pickleball. It helped him stay focused on his recovery. Inspired by these activities, he dreamed of creating a new tabletop racket sport that would be more accessible and enjoyable for people of all skill levels. After much effort, Tom developed Pepper Pong, a game that could bring joy to players from all backgrounds. In 2023, after years of hard work, the game set was finally completed. For Tom, Pepper Pong wasn’t just a pastime; it became a powerful tool for helping people face personal challenges and fostering connection.
Pepper Pong is a thoughtfully designed game set that includes four essential components, each created to enhance the overall experience. The first key item is the “peppers” or balls, which come in three distinct colors, each symbolizing a different level of difficulty. The foam construction of the balls allows for smooth airflow, reducing noise and ensuring a more controlled playstyle. The “mullets,” the paddles, are designed to offer the best of both worlds—resembling a mix between a ping pong racket and a pickleball paddle. They’re built for long rallies and competitive play. The “fence,” or net, is made of durable plastic and can be mounted on any flat surface, providing versatility for both indoor and outdoor settings. Finally, the set also includes an extra carrying bag, allowing for easy transport and storage, making it simple to take the game anywhere, from the backyard to the park.
Pepper Pong can be played in both singles and doubles, depending on the available space for the game. The serve can be either a traditional ping-pong-style serve or a drop serve, giving players flexibility at the start of the game. The game follows three main rules: Points are awarded after every rally, regardless of who served; the first player to reach 11 points wins, but they must lead by at least 2 points; and players compete in a best-of-three or best-of-five game format to determine the match winner.
Where is Pepper Pong Now?
Pepper Pong has rapidly become a favorite pastime, selling over 10,000 sets by June 2024. Its popularity is particularly evident in large cities like New York, where space constraints make traditional games challenging. The game has garnered significant attention, with features in high-profile media outlets like the New York Post, National Geographic, ABC News, and HuffPost. Its appeal extends beyond casual players, with professional athletes incorporating it into agility and precision training. Each set is priced at $99.99, with occasional discounts offering a price as low as $69.99.
Pepper Pong has quickly earned a strong reputation as not just a fun and accessible game but also a meaningful tool for those in recovery. In addition to its growing popularity, the game has been generously donated to rehab centers across the nation. Many who are on their journeys to sobriety have found comfort and community through the game, with reviews pouring in from players who have experienced its positive impact. Whether through fostering connection, breaking the monotony, or simply providing a fun diversion, Pepper Pong has truly lived up to its promise of helping people. Its role in promoting mental wellness and combating loneliness has become one of its most treasured attributes, making it a symbol of community and healing. It’s no surprise that Pepper Pong continues to thrive as a tool for both entertainment and personal growth.
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