How Shark Tank’s Biggest Product is Changing Lives On and Off the Table
Tom Filippini has always loved paddle sports. Growing up in Chicago, he spent hours playing ping pong with family and friends. During college, his love for the game turned into long beer pong matches. But eventually, drinking became a bigger part of his life, leading to struggles with alcohol as an adult.
By 2016, Tom’s addiction had reached a breaking point. Living in Denver with his wife and kids, he realized he needed help. That year, he made the life-changing decision to get sober. “Getting sober wasn’t just about quitting alcohol,” Tom says. “It was about reclaiming my ability to dream, create, and truly live.”
Tom, an entrepreneur at heart, found that sobriety opened new doors. He began to focus on an idea that had been in his mind for years: creating a game anyone could play anywhere. That idea became Pepper Pong—a fun, portable paddle sport that mixes the best parts of ping pong and pickleball.
Pepper Pong is different from regular ping pong. It uses a foldable net, larger paddles called “mullets,” and three unique pepper-shaped balls designed for different skill levels. It can be played on any flat surface, like a kitchen counter or a picnic table, making it perfect for tailgating, camping, or even playing on the hood of a car. Tom says, “I wanted a game that everyone could enjoy, no matter where they are.”
For Tom, Pepper Pong is more than just a game—it’s a way to share his recovery story and inspire others. He has committed to donating Pepper Pong sets to recovery facilities and treatment centers across the country. “During my recovery, ping pong helped me fill the hours I would’ve spent drinking,” Tom explains. “I hope Pepper Pong can do the same for someone else.”
In late 2024, Pepper Pong debuted on Shark Tank, making one of the biggest launches in the show’s history. Within four days, Tom’s team sold over 10,000 sets. The rush of orders was so overwhelming that family and friends had to pitch in at the warehouse to help pack boxes. “It was a team effort,” Tom says, “and it reminded me of the power of community.”
But for Tom, the biggest win isn’t about sales. It’s about the connections his story has sparked. “I’ve received emails from people saying Pepper Pong has inspired them. It’s not just about the game—it’s about creating joy and connection.”
Since his Shark Tank debut, Tom has received over 1,500 emails from viewers moved by his journey. Many of them aren’t even interested in games but bought Pepper Pong to support his mission. “The response has been incredible,” he says. “It reminds me why I started this.”
As Tom looks ahead, he hopes Pepper Pong will continue to grow—not just as a popular game, but as a way to help people reconnect, create lasting memories, and lead healthier lives. For him, every paddle swung is a small step toward healing, reminding others that recovery is possible and joy is within reach.
Please visit https://pepperpong.com/ for more information.