Mahjong mania hits LA as Hollywood elites turn the 19th century game into the city’s hottest social scene

Move over, pickleball, there’s a new obsession sweeping through the hills of Hollywood, and it’s a lot more “clack” and a lot less “thwack.”

Mahjong, the 19th century Chinese tile game that has long been a staple of community centers and grandma’s kitchen tables, is undergoing a high-octane, high-glamour rebranding.

The resurgence has been fueled by celebrity endorsements, with A-listers like Julia Roberts, Blake Lively, Mindy Kaling, and Meghan Markle having all reportedly been initiated into the cult of the tile. Roberts famously told Stephen Colbert that the game is her way of “making order out of chaos.”

In Los Angeles, the game has evolved from a casual hobby into a full-blown lifestyle. Forget meeting friends for a drink; game night has turned into the city’s hottest new scene.

What was once dismissed as a pastime for retirees has been rebranded as the ultimate Gen Z and millennial hang — complete with curated tablescapes, standing weekly games, and even professional coaches hired to teach the rules.

Across LA, mahjong groups are popping up everywhere — from Beverly Hills living rooms to private clubs — with newcomers eager to learn the game from seasoned instructors.

And for those looking to go all-in, there’s an unexpected hub at the center of the craze.

A buzzy, invite-only group dubbed “Mahjong Mega Church” is quietly turning the centuries-old game into the city’s newest social currency. The “church” was started by Jared Eng, founder of celebrity blog JustJared.com, alongside Eileen Foliente, the former director of membership at the ultra-elite San Vicente Bungalows, in November of 2025.

“It’s a very well-curated group of people,” Eng told the California Post. “We really value our social circles and the ability to curate who’s there.”

He hosts weekly mahjong games for the “congregants” at his home, complete with 10 automatic shuffling tables and players of all levels. It has quickly become a magnate for LA’s young, well-connected crowd, from producers and actors to models and influencers, all gathering around sleek tables for nights that feel more like a salon than a competition.

But don’t expect to just waltz right in.

“I have a bunch of unopened DMs,” Eng admitted. “If it’s a friend of a friend, then yes — but right now, you kind of need to be in the know.”

That exclusivity is part of the appeal. While the group boasts more than 500 Instagram followers — affectionately referred to as the “congregation” — only about 200 have actually stepped inside to play.

Forget cash prizes or cutthroat tournaments—here, the payoff is networking.

“The prize is the people you meet,” Eng said. “You’re meeting them socially, professionally — they’re important people.”

That social element is exactly why Mahjong is exploding among younger Angelenos — offering a refreshing alternative to the city’s fading nightlife scene.

Instead of overpriced cocktails and deafening clubs, Hollywood crowds are opting for something more intimate and perhaps, wholesome.

“It’s the best but also fun because it gives sorority energy,” LA local Natasha Rubin told The Post.

Players say they’re drawn to the youthful energy of these groups — a chance to meet new people in a setting that feels stimulating, structured and refreshingly not centered around food or alcohol.

Even pricey LA institutions like Hillcrest Country Club and Brentwood County Club are notorious for having “underground mahj women’s groups.” Other private groups are even made up of men, including one local crew that has their own dedicated teacher guiding regular sessions.

In addition to securing a seat at one of these exclusive “mahj” clubs, players are dropping serious cash on tile sets, colorful mats and even floating mahjong tables that can be used poolside — turning the game into a full-blown lifestyle. Brands like The Mahjong Line have become cult favorites, offering chic, Instagram-ready sets that can set you back $500 just for a set of tiles.

The game itself dates back to 19th-century China and involves building winning hands using a set of 144 tiles — but in 2026, it’s less about tradition and more about the vibe.

Weekly games have become standing plans, and lessons with coaches are booked weeks in advance as players race to master the rules.

In a city built on networking and nightlife, mahjong add something more: real interaction, a mental challenge and a built-in community.

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