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

World No. 1 pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters will return to the Philippines for a series of exhibitions at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on December 9, 2026.

This follows a well-received debut tour in Manila last October.

Waters will headline “IAM EXPERIENCE: Anna Leigh Waters” at the Big Dome 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 Araneta Coliseum 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,” IAM Worldwide said in a statement on 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.”

General ticket sales for the event, presented by wellness brand IAM Worldwide, begin on Monday, November 9.

This follows a limited exclusive sale period on Thursday, November 5.

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.

Waters, 19, is the all-time women’s pickleball pro title record holder.

She has held that distinction since October 2022, when she was just 15 years old.

In November 2025, she became the undisputed pickleball pro title record holder overall, eclipsing 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 ranked No. 1 in the world in women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.

She was named to TIME100’s 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.

Waters serves as IAM Worldwide’s Global Sports Ambassador.

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

Passionate Filipino fans arrived in droves to meet the global face of pickleball during her last foray on Manila soil.

Waters joined packed crowds in various Taguig and Makati sports apparel stores on 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 looked forward to sharing the court with thousands of Filipino fans.

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

The Araneta Coliseum, often called the Big Dome, is one of Asia’s largest indoor arenas.

It has hosted major boxing matches, including Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier’s “Thrilla in Manila” in 1975.

The venue also regularly holds concerts by international artists and Philippine entertainment events.

Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.

It is played on a smaller court with a perforated plastic ball and paddles.

The sport has seen explosive growth in the United States and is expanding in Asia.

Waters has been the face of that global growth since turning professional as a pre-teen.

She has won multiple PPA Tour titles each year since 2022.

Her dominance extends across singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.

Organizers have promised musical performances with celebrity guests at the December event.

Specific names of performers have not been officially announced.

IAM Worldwide is a Philippine-based wellness brand that markets health and nutrition products.

The company has positioned itself as a major backer of pickleball in the region.

Tickets tied to product purchases are a common promotional model for IAM Worldwide events.

Fans who miss the pre-sale can still access general sale tickets starting November 9.

The event is expected to draw thousands of spectators from across the Philippines.

Waters’ October visit already demonstrated the sport’s growing popularity in the country.

Local players, junior athletes, and sports fans turned out for her appearances.

The December showcase will be the largest pickleball event ever held at the Araneta Coliseum.

It marks another milestone in the sport’s push into major traditional sports venues.

Waters continues to balance her competitive schedule with ambassador appearances.

She is scheduled to play in PPA Tour events before and after the Manila trip.

Her 2026 season has already included wins at multiple major tournaments.

The Chicago Cup title in October brought her career total past 200.

No other pickleball player, male or female, has reached that milestone.

Ben Johns, the previous record holder, held the mark at 199 career titles.

Waters surpassed him in November 2025 and has continued to add to her tally.

She has not lost a singles match since early 2023.

Her mixed doubles partnership with Johns remains the most dominant in the sport.

But in Manila, she will be the sole headliner.

The “IAM EXPERIENCE” event is built entirely around her presence.

Fans can expect exhibition matches that showcase her speed and shot-making.

Interactive activities will allow attendees to try pickleball themselves.

The musical performances will add a entertainment element to the sports showcase.

Celebrity guests from Philippine entertainment are expected to participate.

Organizers have not yet released the full list of guests.

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

The event represents a significant investment by IAM Worldwide in sports marketing.

Pickleball’s growth in the Philippines mirrors trends seen in the United States.

The sport has gained popularity among all age groups.

Its relatively low barrier to entry makes it accessible to new players.

Waters has been a key driver of that accessibility message.

Her December appearance will likely accelerate interest in the Philippines.

Local pickleball clubs and tournaments have multiplied since 2024.

The Araneta Coliseum event could become an annual fixture.

Waters has not confirmed any plans beyond this December appearance.

But she has expressed enthusiasm for returning to Manila multiple times.

The December 9 showcase will be streamed and broadcast in the Philippines.

International fans may also have access through online platforms.

Ticket details and venue information are available through IAM Worldwide channels.

The event runs from 3:00 PM into the evening.

Gates open earlier to accommodate crowd entry and security checks.

Fans are advised to arrive early to secure seats.

The Araneta Coliseum has a seating capacity of approximately 16,500 for sports events.

Organizers expect a near-full house based on pre-sale demand.

The October visit saw Waters signing autographs and taking photos with fans.

Similar meet-and-greet opportunities may be part of the December program.

Official details on fan interactions have not been released.

Waters’ schedule in Manila will likely include media appearances.

Her previous trip included a press conference at Dusit Thani Manila.

A similar media event is expected before the December showcase.

Pickleball continues to gain recognition from sports governing bodies.

The sport is being considered for inclusion in future Olympic Games.

Waters has been an advocate for Olympic inclusion.

Her platform as a TIME100 honoree has amplified that message.

The Manila events contribute to the sport’s international profile.

Each appearance by Waters generates significant media coverage.

Philippine media outlets have covered her visits extensively.

The December event will be the largest pickleball gathering in the country’s history.

It represents a milestone for the sport in Southeast Asia.

Waters remains focused on competition while embracing her role as ambassador.

She has said she wants to inspire the next generation of players.

Filipino junior athletes have already shown strong interest in pickleball.

Several local juniors attended her October events.

The December showcase will include opportunities for young players to watch and learn.

Waters’ exhibition matches will demonstrate high-level technique.

The event is expected to boost pickleball participation in the Philippines.

Equipment sales and court construction have increased since her first visit.

IAM Worldwide’s product packages tied to tickets may also drive brand engagement.

The company sees Waters as a perfect fit for its wellness-focused messaging.

Waters’ own training regimen emphasizes fitness and nutrition.

She has spoken about the importance of recovery and proper fueling.