World No. 1 pickleball sensation Anna Leigh Waters is set to return to Manila on December 9, 2026, headlining the upcoming IAM Worldwide Pickleball Showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The 19-year-old American made the announcement following her Philippine debut, which wrapped up with a grand press conference at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati after a three-day visit to the country.
Presented by health and wellness brand IAM Worldwide and US equipment leader Franklin Sports, the event marked Waters’ first visit to the Philippines and reinforced both companies’ commitment to growing pickleball and promoting an active lifestyle among Filipinos.
Waters’ return in December will see her grace the IAM Worldwide Pickleball Showdown, which is expected to feature some of the country’s biggest celebrities and performers, bringing together sports and entertainment at one of the Philippines’ premier indoor venues.
(C) IAM Worldwide
Currently ranked No. 1 in women’s singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles, Waters has amassed more than 200 Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) titles and recently completed another Triple Gold sweep in the United States.
Her Manila debut was highlighted by the Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase, which features the reigning champion as its main attraction as it continues its regional tour with stops in Malaysia and Hong Kong.
During her press conference, Waters discussed her partnership with Franklin Sports, the equipment brand she represents globally, and her signature Franklin C45° Aurelius paddle, along with a blacked-out prototype paddle she has used in recent tournament victories.
Franklin Sports executives Jared Franklin, head of international, and John Lynch, head of marketing, joined Waters and her parents, Stephen and Leigh Waters, at the media event.
The company also outlined plans to help develop pickleball in the region through tournament support, youth clinics, and wider equipment distribution via major Philippine sports retailers.
(C) IAM Worldwide
Meanwhile, IAM Worldwide welcomed Waters in her role as its Global Sports Ambassador, underscoring the company’s push to bring its health and wellness advocacy to a broader international audience through its partnership with one of pickleball’s biggest stars.
IAM Worldwide president Allen Marvin Yu Eder, vice president Aika Lorraine Uy, and general manager Anna Mañego joined the press conference, where Waters highlighted her daily wellness routine featuring IAM Pure Organic Barley and Choco Barley. She also shared samples of IAM Amazing Organic Barley Gummies with members of the media.
Waters had previously filmed a commercial campaign for IAM Worldwide in New York City last June, further strengthening her association with the Filipino wellness brand.
