Anna Leigh Waters Drops Ticket Details for December Pickleball Showdown

Rappler has reported that world No. 1 pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters will return to the Philippines for a December showcase at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The event is scheduled for December 9, 2026, following her well-received debut tour in Manila last October.

General ticket sales begin on Monday, November 9, 2026.

A limited exclusive sale period opened on Thursday, November 5, 2026.

The event is presented by wellness brand IAM Worldwide.

Organizers have promised world-class exhibitions and other activities.

Musical performances with celebrity guests are also planned.

“The moment Anna Leigh Waters stepped onto Philippine soil last October, the clamor from fans and players was electric,” organizers shared in an official statement on Thursday, November 5.

“We quickly realized that an ordinary venue simply wouldn’t suffice.”

“Moving this showcase to the Smart Araneta Coliseum was an easy decision driven entirely by the overwhelming public demand.”

“We want to ensure that as many fans as possible have the opportunity to witness the world’s greatest pickleball player in action, live.”

Waters, 19, is the all-time women's pickleball pro title record holder since October 2022, when she was 15.

She has been the undisputed pickleball pro title record holder since November 2025.

She eclipsed her doubles partner and men's world No. 1 Ben Johns for that record.

She won her unprecedented 200th career title at the 2026 PPA Veolia Chicago Cup last October.

TIME100 named Waters among the Most Influential People in Sports.

“Pickleball is more than just a game to me,” Waters said in a video release.

“It’s speed, focus, and endurance, all in one.”

“That is why I am more than willing to support a community that values performance and wellness together.”

“Let’s celebrate sports, health, and the power of staying strong together,” she added.

During her October visit, passionate Filipino fans arrived in droves to meet her.

She joined packed crowds at various sports apparel stores in Taguig and Makati from October 13 to 15.

This will be the second time in three months that Waters has returned to Manila.

The Smart Araneta Coliseum is a legendary venue in Philippine sports and entertainment.

It has hosted major boxing matches, concerts, and basketball games.

The move to the Big Dome signals a significant escalation in the scale of the event.

The October tour was held at smaller venues.

Ticket pricing and seating categories have not been fully detailed in the Rappler report.

Fans are advised to check official IAM Worldwide and Araneta Coliseum channels for the complete mechanics.

The exclusive sale period on November 5 was limited to select customers.

General public access opens on November 9.

Pickleball has grown rapidly in the Philippines in recent years.

Waters is the sport's most dominant player, holding multiple records.

Her visit is expected to further boost the sport's popularity in the country.

The December event will include exhibitions featuring Waters.

Organizers have not yet announced which other players will participate.

The musical performances and celebrity guests remain unnamed.

More details are expected closer to the event date.

Rappler's report frames the story around the ticket release and the venue upgrade.

The overwhelming demand from the October tour drove the decision to move to the Araneta Coliseum.

The event is part of a broader push by IAM Worldwide to promote wellness through sports.

Waters' endorsement of the brand aligns with her public emphasis on health and performance.

Her rise in pickleball has been meteoric, starting at a very young age.

She has dominated the women's professional circuit since 2022.

Her 200th career title milestone underscores her sustained excellence.

The Chicago Cup victory in October 2026 was a key moment in her season.

She continues to be the face of pickleball globally.

The Manila showcase is one of her few international appearances this year.

Fans in the Philippines have embraced her with enthusiasm.