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Ryuoui: Why You Should Give It a Try

10-02-2025


Why I Wrote This


In Japan, title matches mean everything in the Riichi Mahjong community, yet there are very few English resources explaining what they are or why they matter. As a Saikouisen member myself, I want to share some context about these titles—especially because one of them is actually open to players outside Japan, including those of us in the USA.


The Prestige of Saikouisen Titles


My affiliated professional organization is called Saikouisen (最高位戦), which literally means “the battle for the top place.” Naturally, the dream title in our league is the Saikoui (最高位)—the Top Place. For women, there’s also the Lady’s Saikoui (女流最高位).


Alongside these, there are other prestigious recognitions:

  • Classic Saikoui (クラシック最高位) – the second-highest title, decided under “classic” rules.

  • Ryuoui (發王位) – the third-highest title, decided by the Ryuousen (發王戦) annual tournament.

Unlike the league-format Saikoui titles, which require professional affiliation with Saikouisen, the Ryuoui stands out—it’s determined through a tournament that welcomes not just Saikouisen professionals, but also players from other pro groups (JPML, NPM, μ, RMU) and even amateurs.

Some of the famous players in the mahjong world have held the Ryuoui title, including:

  • Niitsu Kiyoshi (2nd Ryuoui), current chair of Saikouisen

  • Naoki Setokuma (14th), M.Leaguer

  • Yoshihiro Matsumoto (25th)  M.Leaguer

  • Sho Shiratori (28th)  M.Leaguer

  • Kei Nakabayashi (29th, 30th) M.Leaguer

Yoshihiro Matsumoto Pro, the 25th Ryuoui.
Yoshihiro Matsumoto Pro, the 25th Ryuoui.

The Ryuousen Tournament


The Ryuousen has been held every year since 1992, making 2026 its 33rd anniversary. It’s a nationwide tournament in Japan with a special format: players fight in regional qualifiers to earn seats in the main event.

What makes this unique is the open-door policy: anyone can participate—pro or amateur, affiliated or not.


USA Qualifiers – A Gateway to Japan


Currently, the USA is the only region outside Japan that hosts an official Ryuousen qualifier. The format is single-elimination, played over several rounds, and the top players earn seats in the main event in Japan.


Even better, the ICRMO provides a seeded seat to this qualifier. That means the ICRMO winner won’t start from round one but instead enters later in the bracket, avoiding early elimination risk. It’s a huge opportunity for North American players like us to earn an opportunity to one of the most prestigious titles.


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What is ICRMO?


The Intercollegiate Riichi Mahjong Open (ICRMO) is now open for sign-ups! If you are an enrolled undergraduate or graduate student by October 2025, you’re eligible to participate and proudly represent your school.

  • Dates: October 15th–19th, 2025

  • Platform: Mahjong Soul

  • Rule Set: ICRMO Ruleset (Saikouisen 2025 with modifications: Red Dora ON, Head Bump OFF, Pao ON)

  • Format:

    • Qualifiers (Oct 15–17): 15:00–21:00 PDT, ranked by best 5 consecutive games

    • Top 32 & Top 16 (Oct 18): reset scores, 2 hanchans each, top 50% advance

    • Top 8 & Top 4 (Oct 19): reset scores, 2 hanchans each, top 50% advance

    • Winner decided after 4th hanchan on Oct 19


  • Prizes: Over $400 in Amazon gift cards + MahjongSoul merchandise for top 4, in-game rewards for top 8, + 1 Seeded seat for the next Ryuousen USA Qualifier for the champion.



In collaboration with: Saikouisen USA


Final thoughts


Yes, this is the whole dish of dumpling I made for this saucer of vinegar.. :3

ICRMO isn’t just a local event—it connects directly to the broader world of Riichi Mahjong titles in Japan. One day, someone from our community might bring the Ryuoui title home.


 
 
 

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