Spectator sport with a spectacular view

At a rooftop venue featuring expansive bay windows and a spectacular view of Copenhagen, 52 players from 9 countries battled in 8 sessions of riichi mahjong for the Championship title.

The room resonates with the clicking sounds of shuffling tiles, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and calls of “pon”, "chii", “riichi” and “tsumo”. The atmosphere buzzes with excitement, and at times, surges with intensity as the top rankings are fiercely contested and dynamic, shifting after each new session.

The weather is unseasonably warm for late September, making the terrace a delightful spot in the sunshine for everyone seeking to soak up the last vitamin D of the summer. Not to mention, being able to enjoy the breathtaking views of Copenhagen towers and rooftops, the bustling Nørreport station below, and the stunning 400-year-old Renaissance castle, Rosenborg, and the Botanical Gardens across the street.

Due to an unfortunate double booking, the venue has shifted from the usual Haraldsgade location. The new location has been secured through a sponsorship from Mahjong International League (MIL). MIL actively promotes mahjong globally, encompassing riichi, MCR, and Bloody Sichuan rules. They also provide support for events and organisers in member countries. MIL Vice President ,Tina Christensen, oversees the European region.

The tournament progresses without controversies, and minor incidents and clarifications are handled quickly by Referee Eskild Middelboe. There is the usual need to regularly silence players eager to discuss their hands, but quite unusually the tournament unfolds without a single chombo occurring (which is a penalty paid upon mistakes that are so grave that playing of the current hand cannot continue).

After the last session the winners are announced and honoured in the sunshine on the terrasse.

🥇 Bao Zheng Liu (DK)
🥈 Xiaochen Zhu (SE)
🥉 Aleksander Orlikowski (PL)

Congratulations to the winners and see you all next time – back in our usual venue – whether as players, helpers or spectators.

Winners of the Danish Open Riichi Championship 2024:
2nd place Xiaochen Zhu, 1st place Bao Zheng Liu, 3rd place Aleksander Orlikowski