Why Montgomery is suddenly a mahjong hotspot: How Alabama metros rank

New data points to an unexpected hub for mahjong in America: the Deep South, including three of Alabama’s biggest cities.

An analysis from Mahjong 4 Friends, one of the country’s largest online mahjong platforms, looked at nearly 1.8 million active U.S. players over the past year across more than 1,400 cities. The findings point to a “Mahjong Belt” stretching from the Carolinas through the Gulf and up into the lower Midwest — and Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile all landed in the national top 25.

Coastal cultural hubs like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco all trail far behind Southern cities in per-capita play — often by a factor of five or more.

Why mahjong is booming in Southern cities

Mahjong cafés, podcasts and social clubs have been spreading nationally, but the data suggests Southern cities are where the game is actually taking hold fastest.

Researchers point to a mix of factors:

• Established traditions of social table-game play
• Southern hospitality and hosting culture
• Diversifying populations bringing in players from communities where mahjong has long been part of family life

Rachel Mazer, Birmingham mahjong instructor and representative for popular brand Oh My Mahjong, said it makes sense why Alabama communities are falling in love with the game.

“While long cherished in some circles, its recent rise reflects Alabama’s deep sense of community and love of hosting. Mahjong offers what many crave: a reason to gather—and in Alabama, gathering is an art. From styled tablescapes with coordinated tiles and linens to thoughtfully planned game nights with themed snacks and cocktails, the experience extends beyond the game.

“Across neighborhoods, country clubs, junior leagues, and alumni groups, mahjong has become a catalyst for connection across generations, giving women (and men and children) a chance to unplug and connect.”

Rachel Mazer, The Marvelous Mrs. Mazer

Breaking down Birmingham, Montgomery + Mobile mahjong rankings

The report calls Birmingham “the complete package,” one of the few cities to crack the top 20 on every measure examined: popularity, growth and youth appeal.

Growth was calculated as the number of active players in the most recent three months divided by the average three-month total over the prior three years.

Despite Birmingham ranking 20 or above in every metric, both Mobile and Montgomery ranked higher than the Magic City. Here’s how the cities stack up:

• Birmingham:
  • Ranked No. 19 nationally
  • 45.2 mahjong players per 1,000 residents — on par with No. 1 Lafayette, Louisiana
  • 4.34x growth
• Mobile
  • Ranked No. 12 nationally
  • 16.3 players per 1,000 residents
  • 4.83× growth
• Montgomery
  • Ranked No. 17 nationally
  • 14.2 players per 1,000 residents
  • 4.92× growth — one of the 10 fastest growth rates in the country, edging out much larger metros like Houston

Have you noticed mahjong’s rise in popularity in your community? Do you, your friends or family play? Let us know on Facebook and Instagram by tagging us @montgomeryup!