Professional organisations
Several Japanese organisations certify professional players, hold title tournaments and run their own leagues. Candidates take exams covering rules, scoring and play. Professionals play under organisation rules, which differ slightly from casual parlour rules.
The M.League
Launched in 2018, the M.League is a team competition in which sponsored teams of professional players compete in a regular season and playoffs. Matches are broadcast online with commentary, graphics and live statistics, and the league has helped make mahjong a mainstream spectator activity.
Media and celebrities
Mahjong appears widely in Japanese media: specialist magazines, manga, anime, variety shows and celebrity matches. Players with large followings help introduce the game to new audiences, and professional matches attract viewers who have never played themselves.
International reach
The professional scene has begun to look abroad, with foreign professionals, exhibition events and tours in other countries, including the United States. International riichi associations organise their own tournaments and rankings.
