World No. 1 pickleball star drops Manila ticket details.

Ticket details released for Anna Leigh Waters' Dec. 9 pickleball event.

World No. 1 pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters will headline “IAM EXPERIENCE: Anna Leigh Waters” on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, according to organizers.

The event marks her second visit to the Philippines in three months.

Waters first toured Manila in mid-October 2026, drawing large crowds at sports apparel stores in Taguig and Makati from October 13 to 15.

That visit included a press conference at the Dusit Thani Manila on October 15, where she announced her intention to return in December.

Organizers said the decision to move the December showcase to the Araneta Coliseum — popularly known as the Big Dome — came directly from public demand.

“The moment Anna Leigh Waters stepped onto Philippine soil last October, the clamor from fans and players was electric,” IAM Worldwide said 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.”

The program is scheduled to start at 3:00 PM, with gates opening earlier.

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

Ticket mechanics have been structured around product purchases rather than standard seat pricing.

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

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

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

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

Waters, 19, has been the all-time women’s pickleball pro title record holder since October 2022, when she was 15 years old.

She became the undisputed pickleball pro title record holder in November 2025, surpassing doubles partner and men’s world No. 1 Ben Johns.

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

Waters is currently ranked No. 1 in the world in women’s singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.

She was named to TIME100’s Most Influential People in Sports.

She serves as IAM Worldwide’s Global Sports Ambassador.

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

In a video release, Waters addressed Filipino fans directly.

“Pickleball is more than just a game to me,” she said.

“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,” the teenage prodigy added.

Waters described the warmth and enthusiasm she found in the Philippines as a key reason for returning.

The December 9 event is presented by wellness brand IAM Worldwide.

The Smart Araneta Coliseum is a historic indoor arena in Cubao, Quezon City, with a seating capacity of approximately 16,500 for sports events.

It has hosted major international boxing matches, concerts by global artists, and large-scale sports competitions.

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, with a perforated plastic ball and solid paddles.

The sport has seen explosive growth in the United States in recent years, with participation numbers rising sharply across all age groups.

The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, on which Waters competes, has expanded its schedule and prize money.

International interest has followed, particularly in Asia, where the Philippines has emerged as a key market.

Waters’ October visit included appearances at packed crowds in multiple sports apparel stores.

Local players, junior athletes, and sports fans turned out in large numbers.

Organizers have not disclosed the exact ticket allocation or capacity limits for the December event.

General ticket availability begins November 9 through IAM Worldwide’s official channels.

Additional details about the musical performances and celebrity guests have not yet been announced.