MACAU - On January 20, 2010, World Mahjong Limited and The Venetian Macao announced the third annual World Series of Mahjong, to take place from August 19-22, 2010 at the fabulous Venetian resort in Macau.

“The WSOM is the largest and richest Mahjong tournament in the world with over $2 million in prize money to date,” said John Hardyment, CEO of World Mahjong Limited.
This year the WSOM is teaming up with The Venetian Macao as an official venue partner. Mark Russel, Vice President of Sales and Marketing represented the Venetian at Wednesday’s press conference, expressing the resort’s enthusiasm in hosting this year’s event, recognizing the huge presence the game has in the region, “Mahjong is played by several hundred million people in the Asia Pacific region and Macau is no exception.”
In the first two annual WSOM events there were about 300 participants in each main event. In 2008, over 2000 players throughout the world participated in qualifiers to try their luck at the big show. This year the WSOM is aiming for 1000 participants in the main event. President of World Mahjong Limited quoted, “1000 [players] is quite ambitious, but the support and facilities of the Venetian will make it possible."

Kwok

Last year’s winner, Alex Ho Kwok-hung was also present. Kwok-hung will be back this year to defend his title and maybe even try his hand at the other events. When asked what it takes to be the champion he said, “Be patient, be calm and take some chances.”

This year’s main event will be a $650 USD entry fee with an expected prize pool of $650,000 USD. The event will take place over three days from Friday, August 20 to Sunday, August 22. In addition to the main event, the Japanese-style Riichi Rules Tournament will be held on Thursday, August 19 and will have an entry fee of $1000 USD. 

The Riichi event will be endorsed and organized by popular Mahjong website, ReachMahjong.com.This year a new event has been added to the schedule. The High Rollers Event will continue the WSOM tradition of a $5000 USD entry fee and will be held on Sunday, August 22.

Sponsors

The WSOM has also gained a number of new sponsors this year. Blue Girl Beer, Cityline and Viva Macau will be back in 2010. In addition, i8Mahjong.com has been added as the official online mahjong partner, I Soccer.com has also joine the team and Aomen.TV and Destination Macau will be the official media sponsors of the event.

ReachMahjong.com will be there for all of the action this year, so be sure to check back regularly. Of course, you’ll see us playing in Macau as well, so come join us!