Denver resident's pickleball-like game to be showcased on 'Shark Tank'

DENVER (KDVR) — Around 10 years ago, Denver resident Tom Filippini was playing hundreds of hours of ping pong as a recovering alcoholic. Little did he know at the time, he'd be pitching an updated version of the game to "Shark Tank" after his recovery.

It's called Pepper Pong -- a game that mixes pickleball and ping pong, with a few changes. Soon, it will be on "Shark Tank," a television show where entrepreneurs pitch their ideas in hopes of securing a business deal.

While the game is already on the market, it all started when Filippini was in addiction recovery.

According to a press release, Filippini was playing ping pong in rehab when he realized the game was a way to fight isolation, but it could use a reboot. After he became sober in 2016, the game was born.

“Our game is about unplugging from your devices and connecting with your people,” said Filippini. “It’s the ultimate activity for go-anywhere, play-anytime awesomeness.”

All there is to it is a portable net, mullet (paddle) and three types of peppers (balls).

The idea behind the game is that it's similar to pickleball, but anyone can play as it's on a smaller court. However, it's not ping pong either. The website said the equipment, rules and portability make the game different, with one of the biggest differences being that the game is quiet.

Because the game was born through addiction recovery and sobriety, the press release said Pepper Pong sets are also donated to addiction centers across the country.

"We’re beyond thrilled to share Pepper Pong with the world, and appearing on Shark Tank is a dream come true," Filippini said. "It’s the perfect platform to showcase the fiery spirit of our game, and we can’t wait for the entire world to start playing."

The game debuted in 2023 and is selling for $69.99-$99.99. It will be on "Shark Tank" on Friday, Nov. 22 at 6 p.m.