Mahjong mania hits LA as Hollywood elites turn ancient game into the citys hottest social scene

Move over, pickleball.There’s a new obsession sweeping through the hills of Hollywood, and it’s a lot more “clack” and a lot less “thwack.”Mahjong, the ancient Chinese tile game that has long been a staple of community centers and grandma’s kitchen tables, is undergoing a high-octane, high-glamour rebranding.The resurgence has been fueled by celebrity endorsements, with A-listers like Julia Roberts, Blake Lively, Mindy Kaling, and Meghan Markle having all reportedly been initiated into the cult of the tile.Roberts famously told Stephen Colbert that the game is her way of “making order out of chaos.”In Los Angeles, the game has evolved from a casual hobby into a full-blown lifestyle.

Forget meeting friends for a drink; game night has turned into the city’s hottest new scene.What was once dismissed as a pastime for retirees has been rebranded as the ultimate Gen Z and millennial hang — complete with curated tablescapes, standing weekly games and even professional coaches hired to teach the rules.Across LA, mahjong groups are popping up everywhere — from Beverly Hills living rooms to private clubs — with newcomers eager to learn the game from seasoned instructors.And for those looking to go all-in, there’s an unexpected hub at the center of the craze.A buzzy, invite-only group dubbed “Mahjong Mega Church” is quietly turning the centuries-old game into the city’s newest social currency.

The “church” was started by Jared Eng, founder of celebrity blog JustJared.com, alongside Eileen Foliente, the former director of membership at the ultra-elite San Vicente Bungalows, in November of 2025.“It’s a very well-curated group of people,” Eng told The Post.“We really value our social circles and the ability to curate who’s there.”He hosts weekly mahjong games for the “congregants” at his home, complete with 10 automatic shuffling tables and players of all levels.

It has quickly become a magnate for LA’s young, well-connec...