Mahjong is red hot. The tile-based, four-player strategy game originated in China in the 1800s. But in recent years, Mahjong mania has swept America and the world, growing massively in popularity during and after the 2020 pandemic. Now it’s time to track who’s best at the game while making the phenomenon even hotter—and two Fort Worth women have stepped up to do just that.

Co-founded by two Fort Worth women entrepreneurs, Amanda Wolsey and Bethany Factor, the American Mahjong Ranking (AMR) Authority has just launched the first official worldwide ranking system for American Mahjong, debuting it with a mobile app available for download on iOS.

The platform aims to boost Mahjong in America even further by providing a framework for ranked play that connects players, clubs, leagues, instructors, and facilities through standardized competition.

Digitizing the tabletop experience

Photo: AMR Authority

Created to professionalize and organize the fast-growing American Mahjong community, AMR Authority digitizes the traditional tabletop experience while strictly adhering to the official rules and card standards created by the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL). The system fills a significant gap in the industry, offering the estimated 750,000 American Mahjong players a consistent, trusted method to track skill levels and compete fairly.

The AMR Authority app allows players to input scores from real-life games, which are then verified by two additional players at the table to ensure accuracy. The verification process feeds into an algorithm inspired by Elo-style ranking models used in tennis and pickleball, generating real-time rankings and leaderboards.

Co-founders are driven by a passion for the game

AMR Authority Co-Founders Amanda Wolsey (left) and Bethany Factor. [Photo: AMR Authority]

AMR’s Amanda Wolsey and Bethany Factor are passionate advocates for the American Mahjong community. Wolsey, a graduate of UT Austin and former elementary school teacher turned Mahjong consultant, has taught tens of thousands of people how to play and is recognized for her community-building approach. Factor is a graduate of Texas A&M’s Mays Business School and an entrepreneur and operations executive.

In 2024, Factor and Wolsey co-founded The Mahj Clubhouse, a Fort Worth Mahjong social club for players of all levels. Driven by a shared vision to connect players and promote Mahjong in the United States, they created the AMR Authority platform to foster structure, community, and growth.

Wolsey said AMR Authority “brings the best of both worlds—it’s digitizing the competitive side of Mahjong while preserving the social and tactile traditions that make the game special.”

“By integrating the structured ranking systems found in sports like tennis and pickleball,” she added in a statement, “we’re building the lasting framework Mahjong needs to evolve into a modern competitive powerhouse while staying true to its roots.”

Photo: AMR Authority

Key features of the AMR Authority app

Here are key current and future features of the AMR Authority app, per the co-founders:

Verified Score Tracking: A secure system for recording match results and building a verified player history.

Event and Club Management: Tools for discovering local games, connecting with clubs, and managing tournaments.

Universal Compatibility: Support for various play styles, including casual games, NMJL official rules, and the specialized AMR tournament format.

Performance Analytics: Personal statistics that track win rates and experience progression.

Beyond individual player tracking, the platform also introduces “AMR Master Instructor,” a certification for instructors, and “AMR Facilities,” designated venues that meet specific standards for fair play and professional environments. The system aims to support the growth and future of the game ‘by providing a clear pathway for players to level up and compete with confidence,” AMR said.

Photo: AMR Authority

Collaborating across the Mahjong landscape

AMR Authority seeks to build connections across the Mahjong landscape through collaborations with clubs, instructors, and organizations nationwide. In the future, AMR said it plans to offer exclusive member product discounts, online Mahjong play, and in-app booking for lessons and events. The organization also aims to increase the number of AMR-hosted tournaments annually and spotlight Master Instructors, events, and players as part of ongoing efforts to support the community and encourage the game’s growth.

The AMR Authority app is available for free download on the Apple App Store and is coming soon to Google Play. An optional AMR+ subscription is available for $4.99 per month, offering an ad-free experience and exclusive benefits.

David Seeley contributed to this report.

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