The largest mahjong tournament in the DMV
Saturday, February 20, 2027
Dock 5 @ Union Market, Washington, DC
Welcome to MegaMahj, the largest American (NMJL) Mahjong tournament on the East Coast. With both Competitive and Recreational tracks , there is gameplay for every skill level.
Get ready for some exciting prizes for the top-scoring players in each round, and an overall winner—who will win an Automatic Mahjong Table!
Win great prizes — including an Automatic Mahjong Table!
MegaMahj benefits these important organizations
How MegaMahj Works
COMPETITIVE TRACK
Our Competitive track is perfect for those who want to show off their skills and gameplay. Scoring is based on the American (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.
There are a total of 16 games:
4 rounds of 4 games played in 60-minutes.
All scores will be recorded
Scores will be sent to the Mahjong Performance Rating system for national ranking.
Prizes will be awarded to each round’s highest scorer, and at the end of the event, one player will be crowned the MegaMahj Champion based on total scores and percentage of games won.
Official rules are in the FAQ below.
RECREATIONAL TRACK
Our Recreational track is for those who just want to have fun! Get the pleasure of yelling “Mahjong!” when you win (scoring is optional.) Gameplay is based on the American (NJML) card. Door prizes will be awarded randomly throughout the day.
There are a total of 12 games:
4 rounds of 3 games played in 60-minutes.
Scoring is optional, and will only be recorded where written on the official score sheets.
Official rules are in the FAQ below.
TABLESCAPE COMPETITION
Show off your finest gear with our special Tablescape Competition! Arrive early to decorate your table (almost anything goes). All players will have the chance to vote on their favorites, and one crafty player will win a special prize package!
NOTE: Competitive players who opt into the Tablescape Competition must also bring a set of tiles with standard markings (Bams, Craks, Dots). No competitive play with non-standard tiles is allowed.
“We learned a lot from the first tournament. We added more time to play, and will seat similarly skilled players together.”
Win Fabulous Prizes!
Including mahjong sets, accessories, jewelry, restaurant gift cards, clothes — and the top players will draw for an Automatic Mahjong Table!
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 Capitol 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
Discounted Valet parking @ $30.00 per car
Room block available through Februaru 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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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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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.
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For American (NMJL) Competitive track: click here
For American (NMJL) Recreational track: click here
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The overall winner will be determined by a combination of Highest Overall Score (determined by scores of 16 games) and Most Wins (determined by percentage of wins and score combination).
Participants in the recreation tracks are eligible for random drawing prizes awarded throughout the tournament.
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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.
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We are actively working to vendors 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 Jong Jong mascot plushy and limited-edition playing mat.
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YES! The tournament benefits the DC Library Foundation, the MLK Library Friends, and the Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum.
At the event, raffle tickets will also be sold, with a portion divided equally between the organizations.
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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.
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Dock 5 is located at 1309 5th St NE Washington, DC 20002 — the second floor of the white Union Market building.
We highly recommend taking Metro to the event. The venue is a short walk from the NOMA Metro station.
There is a surface parking lot and multiple garages within two blocks of the space.
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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 transfer your registration to another person. Instructions are on your confirmation email.
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The event is produced by Reel Plan through a partnership with DC Drop-In Mahjongg.
The tournament benefits the DC Library Foundation, the MLK Library Friends, and the Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum.
THERE ARE TWO REGISTRATION FORMS.
Please make sure to fill out the correct one for your chosen competition.