Megan Trottier, founder and CEO of Oh My Mahjong, learned the tile-based game 20 years ago from her college roommate. She rediscovered it during the pandemic and saw an opportunity to modernize American Mahjong, which differs from the Chinese version in tiles and winning hands.
Trottier launched Oh My Mahjong in 2022, initially offering colorful designer mats and storage bags. The brand quickly gained traction, generating $1 million in sales in 2023 and $40 million in 2025. Oh My Mahjong has already surpassed that figure in 2026.
A Modern Renaissance for an Ancient Game
Mahjong, which originated in 19th-century China and spread to the U.S. and Europe in the 1900s, is experiencing a resurgence. The game combines luck and skill, appealing to a new generation seeking tactile, offline experiences. Google Trends reports a 70% year-over-year increase in U.S. searches for “mahjong” and a 50% global rise since 2021.
Retailers like Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, and Amazon now carry various mahjong sets and accessories. The game’s popularity has also inspired related products, such as mahjong-themed socks, bags, and playing cards.
Brands Struggle to Keep Up with Soaring Demand
Oh My Mahjong has expanded its product line to include dozens of SKUs, with bestsellers like mats and tile sets retailing for up to $400. The brand sells a mat every 10 seconds and has a presence in over 2,000 retail locations. Its business model is 60% direct-to-consumer and 40% wholesale, partnering with retailers like Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus.
The brand’s growth is fueled by limited-edition sets, such as a collaboration with LoveShackFancy that sold out in under five minutes. Its products have become collectibles, especially among members of the Mahji Mentorship program, a network of thousands of teachers across the U.S.
Similarly, Jonathan Adler introduced mahjong sets in 2025, priced at $695. The category has become the brand’s fastest-growing within games. Alison Bergen, president of Jonathan Adler, said, “Our biggest challenge has been keeping [the sets] in stock.” The brand is exploring mahjong-inspired products like pillows and drinkware, aiming to create a universe around home entertainment.
Mahjong’s popularity extends beyond retail, with online communities organizing tournaments and sharing tips. The mahjong subreddit attracts 37,000 weekly visitors, and TikTok features over 150,000 posts with the hashtag #mahjong. Even hotels, such as the St. Regis New York and Hotel Bel-Air, host mahjong-themed events.
Jonathan Adler’s Mahjong Expansion and Customization
Jonathan Adler, a home brand established in 1993, introduced mahjong sets in 2025 to complement its existing game offerings. The sets, developed over a year, retail for $695, with lower-priced options available at Michaels. Alison Bergen, the brand’s president, noted that mahjong sets have become its fastest-growing game category, with challenges in keeping them in stock. The brand also offers customization for corporate gifts or weddings and hosted a mahjong event in one of its New York City stores.
Bergen attributes mahjong’s popularity to its community-building nature, bringing together different age groups. The sets serve both functional and decorative purposes, often displayed on coffee tables or ottomans. The Jacques Game Table, priced at $2,350, is one of the brand’s bestsellers and can be used for mahjong.
Expanding Horizons and Community Building
Oh My Mahjong has opened an 80,000-square-foot warehouse in Texas to meet growing demand. The brand is also launching an app to connect players, creating a platform for them to interact and build connections.
Trottier’s book on mahjong has become a New York Times bestseller, further cementing the game’s cultural resurgence. The brand’s limited-edition sets, like the LoveShackFancy collaboration, have become highly sought-after collectibles.
The game’s intergenerational appeal is evident, with younger players often learning from older relatives. For instance, Rachel Canowitz, an HR professional, learned mahjong from her grandmother and has since taught friends across the country, highlighting its social and strategic appeal.
Online platforms like Reddit and TikTok have amplified mahjong’s popularity, with creators showcasing the game’s unique sounds and social aspects.
