World No.1 Pickleball Star Returns to Manila This December

World No. 1 pickleball star Anna Leigh Waters is returning to the Philippines this December.

It will be her second visit in three months.

The event is scheduled for December 9, 2026, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

Organizers announced the showcase on Thursday, November 5.

The event is called “IAM EXPERIENCE: Anna Leigh Waters.”

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

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

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 first visited Manila in October 2026.

That trip included appearances 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.

During that press conference, she announced she would return in December.

Organizers said the October visit generated overwhelming 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 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.”

Waters is 19 years old.

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

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

She is ranked world No. 1 in women’s singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.

She is also a member of TIME100’s Most Influential People in Sports.

Waters serves as IAM Worldwide’s Global Sports Ambassador.