October 3-4 2026

The inaugural Melbourne Challengers Cup 2026 will take place in Melbourne this year on October 3 and 4. This event brings together competitive players from across our state and abroad. Following previous tournaments, this event represents a new milestone in the development of high-level riichi mahjong in Victoria.

We warmly welcome interstate and international players to compete in one of our newest premier Riichi events.

Tournament Format

This is a ten-hanchan open tournament played over two full days, following standard WRC 2025 rules.

This is not an entry-level or teaching event. We expect our players to be well-versed, competitive players with solid hands-on experience in real-life play, good knowledge of etiquette, point calculation, and mahjong strategy. We encourage newer players to gain experience through local meetups before participating. Check out our Meetup events here.

  • Format: 10 rounds, no top cut, scramble.

  • Rules: WRC 2025 rules, with 75-minute hanchan timers.

This will be an aka-nashi tournament (no red fives), with 15/5 uma, and standard penalties.

The tournament procedures and etiquette expectations can be found here.

Players are expected to show good will and fair sportsmanship at all times.

Location

Kathleen Syme Library and Community Centre
251 Faraday Street
Carlton

Entry & Registration

Entry Fee: $40

The entry fee includes full tournament access. Catering will not be provided at this event, however there is a diverse range of food and drink options of various cuisines within 500 m of the venue.

VRMA members will be eligible for an exclusive members-only $5 discount. Contact club staff for the code.

Registrations will open on August 19. There will be an initial player cap of 32 players, so get in early if you’re interested!

Discord Server and Communication

Be sure to join us on our Discord to stay up to date on the latest changes, see the schedule, communicate with staff, and meet your fellow players. Important notices will also be sent through email.

Schedule

Day 1 - Saturday, October 3rd

  • Registration: 8:30 am - 9:00 am

  • Opening Ceremony: 9:00 am - 9:15 am

  • Hanchan 1: 9:30 am - 11:00 am

  • Hanchan 2: 11:15 am - 12:45 pm

  • Hanchan 3: 1:45 pm - 3:15 pm

  • Hanchan 4: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

  • Hanchan 5: 5:15 pm - 6:45 pm

Day 2 - Sunday, October 4th (Daylight Saving Time Starts)

  • Check In: 9:00 am - 9:30 am

  • Hanchan 6: 9:30 am - 11:00 am

  • Hanchan 7: 11:15 am - 12:45 pm

  • Hanchan 8: 1:45 pm - 3:15 pm

  • Hanchan 9: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

  • Hanchan 10: 5:15 pm - 6:45 pm

  • Closing Ceremony: 7:00 pm - 7:15 pm

The venue will be open on Saturday night until 10 pm for any additional freeplay. There will be no freeplay on Sunday night after the event concludes.

As the venue will not be made accessible to the general public, the front doors will close at 9:00 am each morning and not re-open until midway through the first hanchan. Please ensure you are on time to each of your games.

Additionally, the front doors will be closed during each hanchan, so if you choose to leave the building after you finish your game, you will not be allowed to re-enter the building until 5 minutes prior to the start of the next hanchan.

Entry and exit will be more flexible during freeplay hours.

Refund and DNF Policy

By submitting payment you are agreeing to fully participate in both days of the tournament. Refunds for withdrawals and/or DNFs will only be honoured in the case of emergencies (e.g. serious illness, flight delays/cancellations). If you are unclear as to what constitutes a valid emergency, please reach out to us.

Players should plan to attend the entire tournament from first to last hanchan to respect the other players and staff. DNFs will be handled on a case-by-case basis, and may result in additional sanctions for the player.

Questions?

Join us on our Discord and message any of the organisers.

You can also send an email through our contact form.