The Global Mahjong Boom

How a 19th Century Tile Game Became a 21st Century Obsession

- By Rishini Weeratratne

Clack, shuffle, snap. The satisfying sound of 144 tiles sliding across a table has long been a soundtrack of Chinese tea houses and family gatherings. But in 2025, Mahjong is no longer just a beloved pastime of East Asia; it’s a global phenomenon. From chic lounges in London and rooftop bars in New York to college dorm rooms in Sydney and Tokyo, Mahjong has stepped into the spotlight, uniting generations and cultures with its distinctive mix of strategy, skill, and social fun.

Mahjong as we know it today originated in China in the mid-to-late 19th century, though its origins are debated. Some say it evolved from earlier card games played during the Qing dynasty, while others trace it back even further to tile-based games. By the early 20th century, Mahjong had already spread to Western shores, introduced by Chinese immigrants and merchants. In the 1920s, the game found surprising popularity in America, with mass-produced tile sets marketed to curious players. Then, as quickly as it rose, it fizzled out, retreating into the background of cultural memory, kept alive in Chinese communities worldwide.