19-Year-Old Pickleball Prodigy Dominates Sport, Earns Millions

Anna Leigh Waters, World No. 1 on the Pro Tour of Pickleball, has quickly risen to stardom after accidentally becoming a pro at age 12.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:07pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the overlapping movements and perspectives of a pickleball match, with sharp planes of vibrant colors capturing the sport's raw athleticism.A cubist interpretation of the dynamic action and competitive energy of a high-stakes pickleball tournament.Hollywood Today

Anna Leigh Waters, a 19-year-old pickleball phenom, has taken the sport by storm. After accidentally becoming a pro at age 12 when she filled in for her mother in a tournament, Waters has gone on to become the World No. 1 player, winning 181 gold medals and 39 triple crowns. She has signed lucrative sponsorship deals with major brands like Nike, Delta Air Lines, DoorDash, and Ulta Beauty, and is estimated to make $2 million per year from the United Pickleball Association.

Why it matters

Waters' meteoric rise in pickleball, a sport that has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, highlights the potential for young athletes to achieve stardom and financial success in emerging sports. Her story also demonstrates the power of serendipity and the importance of being prepared when opportunity knocks.

The details

Waters' pickleball journey began when her mother, a former pro player, needed a last-minute partner for a tournament. At just 11 years old, Waters and her mother finished second in the event, prompting her mother to encourage her to pursue the sport. Within five months, Waters and her mother had beaten the world's top-ranked team. By the end of 2019, they were the No. 1 doubles team in the world. Now, at 19 years old, Waters is considered the best player in the sport, alongside Ben Johns on the men's circuit.

  • At age 11, Waters and her mother finished second in a pro tournament.
  • Five months later, they beat the world's top-ranked team.
  • By the end of 2019, Waters and her mother were the No. 1 doubles team in the world.
  • In January 2026, Waters turned 19, signed with Vayner Sports, and became the first pickleball pro to land a multi-year sponsorship deal with Nike.
  • In April 2026, Waters competed in the Pickleball Slam 4 exhibition event in Hollywood, Florida.

The players

Anna Leigh Waters

A 19-year-old pickleball prodigy who is the World No. 1 on the Pro Tour of Pickleball, having won 181 gold medals and 39 triple crowns in her young career.

Ben Johns

Considered the best male player in professional pickleball, alongside Anna Leigh Waters on the women's circuit.

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What they’re saying

“It kind of happened by accident. I started at the lowest level which was 3-0 at the time and every tournament I would go up 0.5… then I realized I needed prescription glasses and that made me become a lot better.”

— Anna Leigh Waters, Pickleball Prodigy

“My mom was playing professional pickleball at the time and one of her partners ended up dropping out of the pro tournament at the last minute and she was like, 'You want to play with me?'… We got silver in the tournament and loss to a team that was maybe the second and third best player in the world at the time. I was 11 and my mom was like, 'I think you got potential.'”

— Anna Leigh Waters, Pickleball Prodigy

What’s next

Waters will continue to compete on the Pro Tour of Pickleball, seeking to defend her World No. 1 ranking and add to her impressive collection of titles and accolades.

The takeaway

Anna Leigh Waters' rapid rise to the top of professional pickleball, fueled by serendipity and a tireless work ethic, demonstrates the potential for young athletes to achieve stardom and financial success in emerging sports. Her story inspires others to pursue their passions and be ready when opportunity presents itself.