Meet Pepper Pong

“I know loneliness very well, unfortunately. I was an alcoholic for many years and I spent time in rehab,” says Tom Filippini. “When I eventually beat addiction in 2016, it gave me the clarity and courage to bring Pepper Pong to life.”

Pepper Pong is positioned between the complexities of ping pong and the simplicity of pickleball, packed in a portable carrying case, offering a unique, fun, and accessible experience for everyone.

“From an accessibility standpoint, we wanted to slow down the game of ping pong and make the rallying part longer and more fun,”says Tom. “The different balls give you optionality – you can play on many different surfaces.”

This game not only delivers exciting, competitive play but also serves as a powerful tool for combating loneliness and fostering connection. Pepper Pong is perfect for travelers or set up anywhere anyone can gather and have fun, regardless of age, background, or skill level.

“I am a private pilot and I fly thousands of miles per year. I also spend quite a bit of time on the road for work, and when I’m not working or flying for fun, you can find me skiing, fly fishing and spending time with my family,” says Tom. “Pepper Pong is the perfect size to travel with me everywhere I go.”

During the R&D phase, Tom was obsessed over tiny details. The balls had to bounce a certain way and be the exact right size. Everything had to fit into a bag the size of a Dopp kit but still be fun, lighthearted and a bit whimsical.

“We don’t take ourselves too seriously here. In fact, the paddles or ‘mullets’ were designed after Andre Agassi’s famous mullet in the 90s: business in front, party in the back,” says Tom. “Really what we want is for people to use this game to connect, laugh, unplug and de-stress.”

Personal Motivation and Impact:

“The game is deeply rooted in my personal experience. I struggled with alcohol for many years, and it held me back from many endeavors both personally and professionally,” says Tom.”During COVID, I set up tables in my neighborhood and had early versions of Pepper Pong available for anyone to play.”

Tom Filippini’s journey to creating Pepper Pong is deeply intertwined with his commitment to giving back. Tom experienced the transformative power of recovery firsthand, he felt a strong desire to support the facilities that help individuals navigate their way out of addiction. “Because the game is so rooted in my own recovery, I really wanted to give back to those who help people climb out of the dark hole of addiction and into the light of connection and self-realization,” he shares.

Tom envisions Pepper Pong as more than just a game; he believes it can be a catalyst for community and connection within recovery centers. “My hope is that this game can foster connectivity and community within those centers,” he adds, highlighting his mission to not only entertain but also empower those seeking healing and connection. Through his philanthropic efforts, Tom is paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone touched by addiction.

Tom Filippini’s Pepper Pong is more than just a game; it’s a gateway to connection, joy, and community. Pepper Pong is perfect for anyone on the road, it’s like an oversized deck of cards that you can bring anywhere, transforming any space from mundane to exhilarating in seconds.

The essence of Pepper Pong lies in its ability to bring people together. Players lose themselves in the moment and forget about their smartphones and daily to-dos.

Join Tom in his mission to spread joy and foster community—your next adventure awaits.