Mahjong is the third place of the moment for a burnt-out generation
Mahjong, a traditional game originating in 19th-century China, is experiencing a global resurgence as a social activity for younger generations seeking connection amid burnout and post-pandemic isolation. Fueled by celebrity interest and cultural visibility, mahjong gatherings are expanding in cities worldwide, offering low-pressure, analog socialization. The game's blend of strategy, luck, and ritualistic play has made it a popular alternative to digital entertainment and conventional nightlife.
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Mahjong is the third place of the moment for a burnt-out generationSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxMahjong is an old game born in the mid-1800s near Shanghai and spread throughout China and other Asian countries.PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: UNSPLASHPublished May 01, 2026, 05:40 PMUpdated May 01, 2026, 05:40 PMOn a Wednesday night at Beverly Hills’ newest members-only club, Gravitas, the usual scene of dimly lit dinner tables laden with wine and caviar has been replaced by hundreds of clinking tiles. Inside, more than 50 members and guests have gathered to play an ancient game that has taken over the town: mahjong. “The world is looking very bleak right now,” says Ms Christina Huntington, 48, after she plays – and wins – her first round.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.