The largest multi-style mahjong tournament on the East Coast
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Dock 5 @ Union Market
Washington, DC
Welcome to Mega Mahj, the largest mahjong tournament on the East Coast — and the only one that includes tracks for American (NMJL), Hong Kong, and Japanese (Riichi) games!
Each track has its own unique game play and rules, and there are divisions for beginners and experienced players.
So, get ready for some exciting prizes for the top-scoring players in each round (hanchan), the overall winners of each division, and a grand prize winner—who will get the chance to win an Automtic Mahjong Table!
Win great prizes — including an Automatic Mahjong Table!
Registration limited to 400 players: 200 American (NJMJL), 100 Hong Kong, 100 Riichi
Sign up before we sell out!
American
(NMJL) Play
Game play managed by
Both the COMPETITIVE and RECREATIONAL tracks include 12 games played over four one-hour rounds (3 games per round).
For the Competitive track, scoring is based on the NMJL card, with extra points awarded for Jokerless hands, and winning by selecting your final tile, and with points taken away for discarding a tile used for another’s mahjong.
Prizes will be awarded to overall highest score, and highest percentage of wins.
For the Recreational track, there is no scoring — just the pleasure of yelling “Mahjong!” when you win. Door prizes will be awarded randomly.
For both tracks, players move between tables after each round.
For pre-selected players that bring a set, there is a Tablescape Competition. Before game play, a jury will review table designs, and prizes will be awarded.
11:00am — Check-In
11:45am — Tablescape Judging
12:00pm — Round 1
1:00pm — Round 2
2:00pm — Lunch Interval
3:00pm — Round 3
4:00pm — Round 4
5:00pm — Speed Round (optional) and Score Tabulation
5:30pm — Award Ceremony
Hong Kong
play
Game play managed by
The tournament is conducted in accordance with Hong Kong–style mahjong rules, and consists of eight complete wind rounds played over four sessions.
Each session is 75 minutes in duration and includes two consecutive prevailing winds.
Within each round, players will complete a full cycle of hands corresponding to the prevailing wind. Play proceeds continuously until the completion of both rounds within the session or until time is called.
Scoring is based on traditional Hong Kong fan-based scoring, with all winning hands calculated and recorded. Cumulative scores across all eight rounds will determine the final standings.
Players will rotate tables between sessions. Seating and wind positions will be assigned to ensure fairness and competitive balance throughout the tournament.
10:00am — Player Check-In
11:00am— Session 1 (East Round → South Round)
12:30pm — Session 2 (West Round → North Round)
1:45pm — Lunch Interval
2:45pm — Session 3 (East Round → South Round)
4:00pm — Session 4 (West Round → North Round)
5:15pm — Score Tabulation
5:30 Award Ceremony
Japanese
(Riichi) Play
Game play managed by
The competition will be 4 hanchans (south game) each 75 minutes long. Player pairings each round will be randomly determined with no repeat match ups. Tournament score will be cumulative across all 4 rounds with +15/+5/-5/-15 uma. WRC standard ruleset. No Red 5s. Lower penalty enforcement.
Scoring: With 15/5 uma, each round the top two players at a table receive a bonus of 15,000 and 5,000 points respectively, while the bottom two players are penalized the same amounts to adjust final rankings beyond the raw table scores.
9:00am — Check-In
10:00am — Hanchan 1
11:30am — Hanchan 2
1:00pm — Lunch Interval
2:00pm — Hanchan 3
3:30pm — Hanchan 4
5:00pm — Score Tabulation
5:30pm — Award Ceremony
Including mahjong sets, accessories — and for the Dragonslayer — an Automatic Mahjong Table!
Win Fabulous Prizes!
Hotel Information
For those traveling from out of town (or wanting to make a weekend out of the fun), we have arranged a special room block with the Hyatt Place DC/US Capital at 33 New York Ave, NE, a short walk to Dock 5 and the Union Market neighborhood
Standard King: $169.00 per room per night
Breakfast included for all attendees
Discounted Valet parking @ $30.00 per car
Room block available through July 10 only.
Rooms are limited.
FAQs
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At this time, we are set up for one track per player. This may change in future tournaments.
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American (NMJL): We will use the scoring on the 2026 NMJL card. Players will receive double points for hands without Jokers. Players will be penalized 10 points for throwing a tile needed for mahjongg to a player with two or more exposures.
Hong Kong: Scoring is based on traditional Hong Kong fan-based scoring, with all winning hands calculated and recorded. Cumulative scores across all eight rounds will determine the final standings.
Riichi: With 15/5 uma, each round the top two players at a table receive a bonus of 15,000 and 5,000 points respectively, while the bottom two players are penalized the same amounts to adjust final rankings beyond the raw table scores.
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YES! For American (NMJL) game play, you may register for the COMPETITIVE track (earned prizes), and a RECREATIONAL track (random door prizes). The Recreational track is perfect for beginners who might not want the stress of a competition. The game play is the same — but the pressure is off.
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We are actively working to vendors nationwide to showcase new sets, mahjong accessories, housewares, and gift items.
In addition, Mega Mahj will have merch for sale at the event, including our exclusive Megga Dragon Bag Charm.
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Union Market hosts over 30 different restaurants and stalls for every taste. Players are welcome to bring food into the game play area.
There will also be an on-site bar with drink specials, and delectable finger foods for purchase.
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The facility is fully accessible.
We will make every accommodation possible for players. If you have a special request, please let us know in your registration.
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You may miss a game or more, for which you will receive no score. This may affect your overall standing in a quest for a top prize. Every accommodation will be made to place you at your table in a timely manner.
If you have to leave early, your final score will be based on whatever data we have at the time of your departure.
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We are sorry that you may not be able to attend.
There are no refunds, but you may email madmahj@gmail.com if you want to transfer your registration to another person.
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At this time, we expect the room to be at capacity, so observers and audience are not permitted. If this changes, we will make an announcement via social media.