Anna Leigh Waters isn’t done with the Philippines just yet. Fresh off her action-packed three-day Manila visit, the World No. 1 pickleball star has announced she’ll be back in the Philippines on December 9, 2026.
Waters will return for the IAM Worldwide Pickleball Showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum featuring some of the country’s biggest celebrities and performers.
The announcement came as Waters wrapped up her Philippine debut with a press conference at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati. Co-presented by US equipment leader Franklin Sports and health and wellness brand IAM Worldwide, the event brought together media and sports journalists to celebrate the young champion’s visit.
At 19, Waters holds the World No. 1 ranking in Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. Fresh off her historic 45th career Triple Crown and 202nd career PPA Tour title at the Veolia Chicago Cup in Northbrook, Illinois, on October 11, Waters arrived in the country as the headliner of the Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase.
Hosted by sportscaster Boom Gonzalez, the press conference highlighted Waters’ partnerships with both brands. During the Franklin Sports segment, she discussed representing the equipment brand globally and making professional-level technology accessible to local players. She also talked about her Franklin C45° Aurelius Signature Paddle and the blacked-out “Franklin Whip / ?” prototype paddle she has used in recent tournament victories.
Franklin executives Jared Franklin (Head of International) and John Lynch (Head of Marketing), along with Waters’ parents Stephen and Leigh Waters, joined the media appearance.
Meanwhile, IAM Worldwide introduced Waters in her role as the company’s Global Sports Ambassador. President Allen Marvin Yu Eder, Vice President Aika Lorraine Uy, and General Manager Anna Mañego welcomed the athlete, who filmed a commercial campaign for the brand in New York City last June.
Waters also demonstrated her daily health regimen featuring IAM Pure Organic Barley and Choco Barley, while sharing samples of IAM Amazing Organic Barley Gummies with the media.
During the Q&A session, Franklin Sports outlined plans to support regional tournaments, youth clinics, and local equipment distribution through major Philippine sports retailers. IAM Worldwide executives, meanwhile, highlighted the partnership’s role in promoting health and wellness to a wider audience.
Following her Manila appearance, Waters will continue the Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase with stops in Malaysia and Hong Kong before returning to the Philippines in December.
