MANILA — American pickleball sensation Anna Leigh Waters is set to bring her world-class game back to the Philippines on December 9, headlining the IAM Worldwide Pickleball Showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in another major boost to the sport’s growing popularity in the country.
The 19-year-old superstar, widely regarded as the world’s top pickleball player, confirmed her return during a press conference at Dusit Thani Manila in Makati on Thursday, capping a three-day Philippine visit as part of the Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase.
Waters, who has amassed more than 200 Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) titles, is expected to be the main attraction of the December spectacle, which will also feature prominent Filipino celebrities, performers and activities designed to introduce pickleball to a wider audience.
Her upcoming appearance offers Filipino enthusiasts another chance to witness one of the sport’s most accomplished athletes, whose dominance in women’s singles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles has helped propel pickleball into the international spotlight.
Waters has also completed the prestigious Triple Gold Sweep in the United States, underscoring her versatility and supremacy across all three competitive divisions.
Beyond her impressive credentials, the American champion said the overwhelming reception she received from Filipino fans made her first Philippine visit an unforgettable experience.
“It’s definitely been more. I didn’t really know what to expect coming here, but I’m glad I honestly had no expectations because I’ve just had some of the best three days of my life visiting this new place,” Waters said.
“I felt so much love and support from so many people that I’ve never met before but have seen me play,” she added.
Waters admitted being particularly impressed by the enthusiasm of Filipino supporters, many of whom were already familiar with her achievements despite never having met her personally.
“They knew so much about me. Just the warm welcome they were giving me made me really love everybody here. So I’ve had a great time,” she said.
Her Philippine engagement was organized by Franklin Sports, her official equipment partner, and IAM Worldwide, a health and wellness company that tapped her as its global sports ambassador.
Following her Manila visit, Waters will continue the Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase with scheduled stops in Malaysia and Hong Kong before returning to the Philippines for the December showdown.
The December 9 event is expected to further strengthen pickleball’s presence in the Philippines, with Waters’ star power providing a major attraction for both established players and newcomers to the rapidly expanding sport.
For Filipino pickleball fans, her return promises another opportunity to see a global champion whose remarkable achievements at a young age have made her one of the sport’s most recognizable figures./PN
