Theodor König was born in 1825 at Üppenhagen (known today as Selm-Cappenberg); in 1858, he opened a brewery in the country district of Beeck[2] which, at that time, did not yet form part of the city of Duisburg.

At first, König Pilsener was known for its bitter hoppiness; later, the beer was adapted to the requirements of a premium lager intended for mass consumption.

Carlsberg broke up the Holsten Group, selling the König and Licher breweries to Bitburger.

New products include the alcohol-free Kelts beer, renamed König Pilsener Alkoholfrei in 2005.

Actor, director and producer Til Schweiger is a corporate representative for König Pilsener.