Series brings mahjong trend on tour of Miami
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The vibes were just right for a night of Mahjong. Photo: Courtesy Niño Gordo.
A new Miami event series aims to cater to the growing enthusiasm around mahjong.
Why it matters: The 19th-century Chinese tile game is having a moment.
- Yelp dubbed it a top home trend for 2026, citing searches for clubs and lessons up more than 4,000% and nearly 900%, respectively.
- It's also good for brain health.
State of play: The Mahj Hub, a new series that will host mahjong nights across the city, launched last week at Niño Gordo in Wynwood — and my sister-in-law and I got a first-hand look.
- Spoiler: It's fun!
How it works: Players can sign up individually or as a table of four for the two-hour event.
- Our table played two games in the roughly 90 minutes of play (we had a lot of learning to do, but my sis-in-law showed us the ropes). Another table easily played three or four rounds (experts!).
- While playing, a member of the Mahj Hub walks around to facilitate play, answer questions, offer advice and verify a winning hand.
- Winners get a fun prize (think: a round of drinks).
The intrigue: Players' tickets ($110) include a welcome cocktail and light bites that are passed around throughout the night.
The big picture: The series was founded by Brooke Lam, a local mahjong teacher who launched a business, Mahj With Brooke, about two years ago to teach women the game and provide "a fun escape" from life's stressors.
- Small, private lessons grew to social play gatherings. Then, over the summer, she partnered with another instructor, Gabi Boros of My Tile Society to found Mahj and Miami.
- Both organizations expanded to host lessons, social events and fundraisers in restaurants, hotels, homes and corporate settings.
What they're saying: "At its core, what we're building is more than a game night — it's a community built around connection, a little friendly competition and shared experiences at the table," Lam told Axios via email.