It’s been a while since the American Riichi Association report has been updated. But here we are, all set with a series of updates to bring you into 2026 and beyond. Let’s catch up the ARA Certified events that took place around the country over the past few months.
The Chicago Area Riichi Tournament happened September 20-21, 2025 in Rosemont, Illinois. The 120 participants had 9 games to try and make it into the top 8 and the semi-finals. Those final 8 played two more games to decide the finalists. Michael D (Toronto Riichi Club) answered the call by taking first place overall, followed by runner-up Koichi N (Chicago Area Mahjong) and Tyler E (Chicago Area Mahjong) in the bronze position.
The long-running PML Open 2025 was October 11-12th this year. Originally planned as a 40-player cap, it expanded to be a 64-contender event at Pacific Mahjong League in Fremont, California with a lot of west coast representation not only from the hosting club, but from Seattle Riichi Mahjong as well. Saikouisen Rules were used and it was an exciting top-8 cut to be later whittled down to a 4-person final table. Fred M (unaffiliated) won the title with Skye C (Pacific Mahjong League) taking second and Ichika S. (Pacific Mahjong League) rounding out the top 3.
About a month later, the 2025 Great Lakes Riichi Open was held October 25-26, 2025. This was the second year of Great Lakes Riichi competition and WRC rules were used with the addition of red fives and a larger Uma. All players were eligible for the first 7 games, after which the top 4 advanced to a 2-game final table. Max Suddendorf (Riichi Nomi NYC) topped the final table, taking the gold. Michale Xu (unaffiliated) took second and Kristy C (Philly Mah-Jawn) scored a podium finish in third.
To start off November, the first-ever UC Berkely Riichi Open saw 40 players battle for glory. To add some fun to the felt, the tournament used WRC 2025 rules with red fives, Nagashi Mangan, and a bigger Uma (placing bonus) than usual. After 9 games the total scores determined the winners. Winning the whole thing was Fanming Cao (Pacific Mahjogn League) while club-mate Rachel H took 2nd. Edward Z (Philly Mah-Jawn) was in 3rd place, which is no small feat considering the strongest players in California all showed up with an especially strong contingency from Pacific Mahjong League.
The next big November big event was the Philly Riichi Open 2025 at the Old Pine Community Center in Philadelphia. Ninety-four players took to the tables, playing WRC Rules, and the final scores after 9 games determined the winners. The biggest winner was Austin Booth (Riichi Nomi NYC) followed by Gaohan M (Philly Mah-Jawn) and 3rd place was Eric H (Clermont-Orlando Riichi Mahjong Squad).
And most recently, in New York, New York, the Sparrow’s Nest Open ran December 6-7, 2025 at their new venue. One table from each round was streamed live on the WRC Channel so everyone at home could follow along. There was no final table as this was part of the World Riichi League series, but the top contenders still scored medals. Dylan Zhang (Pacific Mahjong League) led the pack with a commanding lead sthat started from game 1. Kevin N (Riichi Nomi NYC) was the runner up, but right on his heels was Greg C (WRPM/USPML), rounding out the top 3.
There is a lot of ARA excitement waiting for you in 2026, namely the Oklahoma Riichi Open March 14-15th, 2026 and the DC Riichi Mahjong Open scheduled for March 28-29, 2026. Stay tuned!
It took a bit to get these updates set up, but we got it and they will happen regularly from here on out. Make sure you have the page bookmarked and check back for updates in 2026!
