Pickleball Queen Anna Leigh Waters Returns to Manila’s Big Dome

World No. 1 pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters returns to Manila for another exhibition showcase, this time at the famed Araneta Coliseum.

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

It will take place on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

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.

That first visit happened in mid-October 2026.

On October 15, 2026, Waters appeared at a press conference at the Dusit Thani Manila, where 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 moment Anna Leigh Waters stepped onto Philippine soil last October, the clamor from fans and players was electric," IAM Worldwide said in a statement.

"We quickly realized that an ordinary venue simply wouldn't suffice."

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

The event is presented by IAM Worldwide, a wellness brand.

Waters serves as IAM Worldwide's Global Sports Ambassador.

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

As Global Sports Ambassador, Waters represents the brand's commitment to promoting fitness, active living, and overall wellness through sports and nutrition.

Ticket access has two phases.

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

The general ticket release follows 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.

For more information on ticket redemption, product packages, and event updates, fans may visit IAM Worldwide's official social media pages.

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

She has been the all-time women's pickleball pro title record holder since October 2022, when she was just 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 has since won an unprecedented 200th career title at the 2026 PPA Veolia Chicago Cup last October.

TIME100 named her 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'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," added the teenage prodigy.

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

During her first visit in October, passionate Filipino fans arrived in droves to meet the global face of pickleball.

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

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.

It is played on a court roughly one-third the size of a tennis court.

The sport has experienced explosive growth in the United States and increasingly in Southeast Asia.

The Smart Araneta Coliseum, often called the Big Dome, is a historic indoor arena in Quezon City.

It has hosted major sports events, concerts, and entertainment shows since its opening in 1960.

Moving the showcase to the Big Dome signals the scale of demand for pickleball in the Philippines.

Organizers said the decision was driven entirely by overwhelming public demand.

IAM Worldwide is a direct-selling wellness company based in the Philippines.

The company sells nutrition, fitness, and personal care products.

Its partnership with Waters aligns with its focus on active living and sports.

The December 9 event will be a mix of sports and entertainment.

Alongside Waters' exhibition matches, the program includes interactive activities.

Musical performances and celebrity guests are also part of the lineup.

Waters, now 19 years old, is widely regarded as the greatest female pickleball player in history.

She grew up in Florida and started playing pickleball at a young age.

Her mother, Leigh Waters, is also a professional pickleball player and her former doubles partner.

Anna Leigh Waters holds the record for the most professional pickleball titles ever won.

Her dominance spans singles, doubles, and mixed doubles disciplines.

The December showcase gives Filipino fans a rare chance to see her compete live.