World No. 1 pickleball star returns to Manila for a December showdown

World No. 1 pickleball star Anna Leigh Waters is returning to Manila for a December showcase at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Organizers announced the event on Thursday, November 5, 2026.

The showcase is scheduled for Wednesday, December 9, 2026.

It will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

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

The program starts at 3:00 PM.

Gates will open earlier in the afternoon.

The afternoon will feature world-class pickleball exhibitions.

There will also be interactive activities for attendees.

Organizers have promised musical performances with celebrity guests.

This is Waters' second visit to the Philippines in three months.

She first toured Manila in October 2026.

That debut tour drew large crowds of fans, local players, and junior athletes.

Waters appeared at sports apparel stores in Taguig and Makati from October 13 to 15.

She also held a press conference at the Dusit Thani Manila on October 15.

At that press conference, she announced her plan to return in December.

Organizers said the decision to move the event to the Araneta Coliseum was driven by public demand.

"The moment Anna Leigh Waters stepped onto Philippine soil last October, the clamor from fans and players was electric," organizers said 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."

The event is presented by wellness brand IAM Worldwide.

Waters serves as IAM Worldwide's Global Sports Ambassador.

She represents the brand's commitment to promoting fitness, active living, and overall wellness through sports and nutrition.

Waters is 19 years old and from the United States.

She has been the all-time women's pickleball pro title record holder since October 2022.

She was 15 years old when she set that record.

In November 2025, she became the undisputed pickleball pro title record holder overall.

She eclipsed her doubles partner and men's world No. 1 Ben Johns to reach that milestone.

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

TIME100 named her one of the Most Influential People in Sports.

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

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

The sport has grown rapidly in popularity across the United States and internationally in recent years.

In Southeast Asia, pickleball is experiencing particularly fast growth.

Waters spoke about her connection to the sport and the Philippines in a video release.

"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," she added.

Waters said the warmth and enthusiasm she found in the Philippines made returning an easy decision.

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

Ticket information was released alongside the event announcement.

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

The general ticket release begins on Monday, 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.

Fans can visit IAM Worldwide's official social media pages for more information on ticket redemption, product packages, and event updates.

The December showcase represents a major escalation in scale from Waters' October visit.

Her first trip featured appearances at sports apparel stores and a press conference.

The December event will fill a 16,000-seat arena with exhibitions, music, and celebrity guests.

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

She has dominated professional pickleball since her teenage years.

Her return to Manila underscores the Philippines' growing role in the international pickleball scene.

The sport's popularity in the country has surged alongside its global expansion.

Waters' October visit drew passionate crowds that organizers said exceeded expectations.

Those crowds directly led to the decision to upgrade the venue for December.

The Araneta Coliseum is one of the most iconic indoor arenas in the Philippines.

It has hosted major sports events, concerts, and entertainment spectacles for decades.

Hosting a pickleball exhibition there signals the sport's rising profile in the region.

The event is expected to draw fans from across the Philippines and possibly neighboring countries.

Waters' status as the global face of pickleball adds international attention to the showcase.

Her partnership with IAM Worldwide aligns with the brand's focus on health and active lifestyles.

The company has positioned itself as a key promoter of pickleball in the Philippines.

Organizers have not announced which celebrity guests will appear at the December event.

They have also not revealed specific musical performers.

More details are expected in the weeks leading up to December 9.

Waters' competitive schedule includes events on the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) tour.

The PPA is the premier professional pickleball circuit in the United States.

Waters holds multiple PPA titles and continues to set records on the tour.

Her 200th career title at the Chicago Cup in October was a milestone for the sport.

No other player in professional pickleball history has reached that number of titles.

Her dominance has made her the central figure in the sport's rapid rise.

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

Pickleball's accessibility — requiring less space and slower-paced than tennis — has fueled its popularity.

The sport appeals to a wide range of ages and skill levels.

In the Philippines, local pickleball communities have grown steadily in recent years.

Waters' visits have accelerated interest and participation in the sport.