Anna Leigh Waters Makes History as First Pickleball Player at ESPY Awards

On July 16, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, 18-year-old Anna Leigh Waters, the world's top-ranked pickleball player, made history as the first professional from her sport to attend the prestigious ESPY Awards. This milestone underscores pickleball's rapid ascent from a niche pastime to a recognized force in the sports world.

Waters' presence at the ESPYs not only highlights her personal achievements but also signifies the broader acceptance and growth of pickleball. With a 69-match singles winning streak and 163 career gold medals, Waters embodies the sport's competitive spirit. Her journey from turning professional at age 12 to becoming a leading advocate for pickleball's inclusion in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics reflects the sport's evolving narrative.

Pickleball, a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Since its introduction, the sport has steadily increased in popularity. In 2022, pickleball was named the official state sport of Washington. For four consecutive years, from 2021 through 2024, the sport was named the fastest-growing sport in the United States by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. The 2024 report found that there were 19.8 million participants that year, a 311% growth since 2021.

Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 2007, Waters moved to Delray Beach, Florida, where she transitioned from competitive soccer to pickleball. She turned professional at age 12, becoming the youngest professional pickleball player in history. As of March 2025, Waters had won 148 gold medals and was ranked No. 1 in the world for doubles, mixed doubles, and singles by the Professional Pickleball Association.

In 2024, Waters was projected to earn more than $3 million, making her the highest-paid pickleball player at that time. She has endorsement deals with companies such as Fila, Paddletek, Carvana, Lock Laces, Shiseido, Cetaphil, Biofreeze, and Collectbobbles.

"Pickleball's accessibility and appeal across all age groups have been key to its rapid growth," Waters stated. She added, "I hope to see pickleball included in the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, where I plan to compete at 25."

Waters' appearance at the ESPYs signifies pickleball's increasing recognition in mainstream sports culture. Her success and visibility may inspire younger athletes to engage with pickleball, contributing to the sport's evolving demographic.

Anna Leigh Waters' historic attendance at the 2025 ESPY Awards marks a pivotal moment for pickleball, reflecting both her personal achievements and the sport's expanding appeal. As pickleball continues to grow, Waters remains at the forefront, championing its competitive nature and advocating for its place on the global sports stage.