Mahjong in the Sun celebrated International Mahjong Day by hosting its inaugural tournament on Saturday, Aug. 1, at Really Good Beer Stop Nocatee.
The event welcomed 32 players for eight games of tournament play, followed by awards, raffle giveaways and a celebration of Northeast Florida’s rapidly growing mahjong community.
Rita Weber was crowned the inaugural champion, taking home a $200 mahjong tile set and paid registration into the upcoming Fall Bambird Scramble social league. Emerson Frazier finished in second place, while Jessica Carbone placed third.
The tournament featured two rounds of play, with competitors divided into divisions following the opening round. Players also enjoyed a charcuterie lunch from Let’s Cheese Jax, a “Mahjong Friends” couch photo backdrop provided by Bounce for Love, shopping and raffle giveaways throughout the afternoon.
“It has been incredible to watch this community grow,” said Laura Gainor, founder of Mahjong in the Sun. “Just like we saw when pickleball began to explode, people are looking for approachable ways to learn the game, meet other players and become part of the community. It is such an honor to continue creating more opportunities for people to come together through mahjong.”
Since launching in January, Mahjong in the Sun has grown into a community of more than 400 local players across Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra and St. Augustine. The organization hosts weekly events, social leagues, beginner experiences, tournaments and resort activations designed to make mahjong welcoming, social and accessible.
Mahjong in the Sun will continue its local programming with the launch of Sunset Mahj Wednesdays at Really Good Beer Stop Nocatee, providing the community with a consistent evening destination for hosted mahjong play. Registration will also open on Aug. 17 for the Fall Bambird Scramble social league serving Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra and St. Augustine.
Mahjong in the Sun is also wrapping up its inaugural Summer Bambird Scramble social league this week, culminating with a sold out “Mahj to the Finish: The Mahjong Marathon” on Sunday, Aug. 9, at Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach. The all-day celebration will bring together league players and the broader mahjong community for open play, prizes and the kickoff to registration for the Fall Bambird Scramble season across Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra and St. Augustine.