Photo credits: WTX Mahjong League

What happened: Mahjong is having a major moment in the U.S., and for a long time I was at a loss as to what could be causing such a craze, that is, until I played a round…

When I was first introduced to it, I was expecting a long, complicated game. But I was pleasantly surprised when the game was similar, in certain ways, to other games I’ve enjoyed my entire life, like Rummikub, Phase 10, Gin, and other rummy-style games. The premise relies on sequence building. This realization, combined with the number of beginner lessons, events, and organized leagues, shows how low the barrier to entry is.

By the numbers: The data behind the surge is striking. Yelp named mahjong one of its top 2026 trends. Searches for mahjong clubs rose 4,467% between September 2024–August 2025 versus the prior 12 months, with searches for lessons rising 819%. Eventbrite recorded a 365% increase in mahjong searches nationwide between 2023 and 2024.

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A 2026 data report found 1,026 unique active mahjong clubs across the United States. The report states that Texas leads the country in total clubs, 97, over 10 more than the next closest state, Florida. Houston ranks among the top cities nationally by club count with eight total.

The big picture: I found, through research and consulting with avid players, that the reason this game has become so popular comes down to three basic principles:

  • Real community, offline connection: The game is inherently social, and it surrounds you with people. It’s also not a game of unyielding focus. You have the freedom to talk, take pauses, and enjoy being together. It also provides a form of entertainment that has nothing to do with media, screens, or phones.
  • Personalization and beauty: Another aspect is the visual upgrade of mahjong. Instead of only the traditional Chinese art style, the game has evolved into something trendy and fun, with so much variety that everyone can find their own niche.
  • Brain benefits: The game exercises memory, pattern recognition, and quick decision-making. One study found that playing mahjong almost every day linked to a 37% lower risk of incident dementia as well as improved general cognition and short-term memory.

Dallas-area companies, beginning around 2020 when people were hungry for social connection, redesigned traditional tiles. With vibrant colors, custom artwork, and matching sets that include mats, racks, and carrying cases, they turned mahjong into “playable art.”

Franchises and leagues scaled quickly, as the state’s existing culture of gatherings, entertaining, and social clubs provided fertile ground for the rising trend. “We identified a huge gap in the market and created something totally new,” the founders of the Mahjong Line told Texas Monthly. A basic mahjong set ranges from $20-$150, while the full works with high-end tiles, custom colors and artwork, and all the extras runs upward of $300-$500.

Go deeper: Co-founders Nikki Viilo and Callie Davis launched the WTX Mahjong League in March 2025 to give local players a structured place to improve and meet others. Demand grew steadily, allowing them to open a brick-and-mortar house in spring of 2026 to support lessons, open play, competitive leagues, and retail.

“I think it really began in the fallout of 2020,” Davis said on the rising craze. “Everyone was looking for a way to be with community again, and this was it.”

For those of you just beginning, WTX Mahjong offers introductory lessons starting at a beginner level for $50 per person, then strategy and guided play where mahjong pros help you master the rules and strategies for $35 per person. You can also drop in during open play for $12 per person (the first session is free) or purchase a 10-play pass for $100.

A basic mahjong set often pays for itself after three to eight club visits. However, if you’re looking for a fun addition to parties or gatherings without breaking the bank on a nice mahjong set, WTX Mahjong does offer in-house and take-away mahjong set rentals at $20-35 per day.

For those interested, league membership play and tournaments offer a more competitive path once the basics are solid. WTX Mahjong League offers three tiers. Their annual membership is $60 and provides discounted drop-in, league registration perks, and member-only events. A $35-per-month membership offers unlimited open play and 1 guest pass per month.

Or a $900 VIP membership provides all of the above plus guaranteed seats to league events and seasons, four guest passes per month, a retail discount, and a private birthday package.