Pickleball Queen Anna Leigh Waters Returns to Manila in December

World No. 1 pickleball star Anna Leigh Waters sets December Manila showcase.

She will headline a series of exhibitions at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on December 9, 2026.

The event is called the IAM EXPERIENCE: Anna Leigh Waters.

It follows a successful debut tour in Manila last October.

Organizers announced the news on Thursday, November 5.

The program starts at 3:00 PM, with gates opening earlier.

The afternoon will feature exhibition matches, interactive activities, musical performances, and celebrity guests.

Organizers moved the event to the Big Dome after strong demand following Waters' first visit to the Philippines.

“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.

“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 is a 19-year-old American sensation.

She has been the all-time women’s pickleball pro title record holder since October 2022, when she was 15 years old.

She has also been the undisputed pickleball pro title record holder since November 2025, after eclipsing doubles partner and men’s world No. 1 Ben Johns.

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

TIME100 named her one of 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’s 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.

Passionate Filipino fans arrived in droves to meet her during her last foray on Manila soil.

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

On October 15, she appeared at a press conference at the Dusit Thani Manila.

There she announced she would return in December.

Waters said the warmth and enthusiasm she found in the country made coming back an easy decision.

She said she looked forward to sharing the court with thousands of Filipino fans.

The event is presented by wellness brand IAM Worldwide.

Waters serves as IAM Worldwide's Global Sports Ambassador.

The partnership comes as pickleball continues to grow rapidly across Southeast Asia.

Ticket details have been released for the December 9 event.

A pre-sale for registered IAM Worldwide members opened on November 5, 2026.

General ticket release begins on November 9, 2026.

Admission is free with the purchase of designated IAM Worldwide product packages.

Tickets can be redeemed at the company's Head Office and authorized branches nationwide.

The December event is Waters' second visit to the Philippines.

Her first trip in mid-October drew crowds of local players, junior athletes, and sports fans.

Waters is a multi-title champion ranked at the top of the world in women's singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.

The Araneta Coliseum, also known as the Big Dome, is one of the most famous indoor arenas in the Philippines.