Mahjong’s eSports Evolution

If you’re partial to parlor or casino games, you’ve probably heard of Mahjong. This four-player game, which originated in China towards the end of the Qing dynasty, is loved and played worldwide. But did you know that Mahjong is also set to make quite a dent in the esports scene, and has rallied an impressive number of players and fans. Read on to find out more!

What is Mahjong?

Mahjong is a four-player game that uses 144 tiles, each decorated with a Chinese icon referencing ancient Chinese symbols. Although originally emerging in China during the 1800s, the game garnered extreme popularity in the West in the 1900s. The aim of the game is to assemble a winning hand of fourteen tiles, consisting of four three-tile sets and a pair. Players take turns discarding and obtaining tiles as the game progresses.

Where is Mahjong Played?

Gone are the days when Mahjong was simply a board game type recreational activity played in family homes. Although tangible mahjong tile sets can still be purchased to be played in casual settings, there are now many more options. The easiest way to play Mahjong instantly is to visit Mahjong365.com. This website not only gives people a way to play Mahjong with other players across the world, but it also acts as a one-stop shop to learn the skills necessary to excel in Mahjong and involve yourself in a bustling and vibrant community.

Additionally, Mahjong has also become quite the staple when it comes to casino gaming, both within brick-and-mortar institutions and online. And, of course, Mahjong has also entered high-stakes competitive play, and could be well on its way to entering the eSports world, where professional players compete for cash prizes.

Mahjong in Esports?

When thinking about eSports, you’d be forgiven if Mahjong never crossed your mind. With huge, popular games like FIFA and Fortnite seeming to dominate all we hear about the eSports world, it is easy to forget the potential of smaller games. Although Mahjong is not yet widely recognized as an eSport, it seems to be well on its way to becoming one in the future. This can be seen especially in the growing attention around competitive Mahjong.

Competitive Mahjong

Interest has been growing around competitive Mahjong. Already, Mahjong leagues are emerging across the globe, and dedicated events for Mahjong tournaments are being arranged worldwide. One of these events, the upcoming World Mahjong Tour in Las Vegas, will see the winner walking away with $100,000 in prize money. Interestingly, the tournament is being held in the HyperX arena, which is a venue usually used to host eSports events.

Development of Mahjong in eSports

Returning to the World Mahjong tour, this organisation has shown a genuine commitment to bringing Mahjong onto the esports scene.

 Evidence for this comes from the fact that, on their website, the World Mahjong tour website has announced that a competitive mobile game will be launched at some point in the near future. In this way, they will be helping Mahjong become a hybrid between sports and esports, in the same way that chess is.

Professional Players

Additionally, should Mahjong become an official esports title, there will be no shortage of professional players across the globe ready to compete. Many mahjong players already belong to a recognized professional association and are always itching to compete. Entering into the esports world would give them countless more opportunities to do so.

Audience

Of course, an esport will only succeed if it has a big enough audience to spectate, and place bets, on the outcome of games. Luckily, Mahjong already has a substantial fan base, made stronger by the rise of modern technology such as streaming platforms. Should Mahjong become a game within esports, then attention towards it is certain to grow. But as a sport just entering this esports world, it has enough of a following to more than succeed.