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The following are words to the 2025 ARA Invitational: 

The invitational weekend is here.  Some have already arrived or are on location.  Others will be traveling today.

To everyone participating, once again - congratulations for making it to this tournament.  A few of you have played in a single open tournament to qualify; while the rest played in multiple tournaments last year.  It is both a cost and a commitment to play in these tournaments.

Nevertheless, we do so because we want to.

I for one apply this very principle to my own mahjong, to my club, to the Internet, and certainly to the country and beyond.  We only play mahjong because we want to.  Yet keep in mind: Participating in a qualifier-based invitational is a privilege.  In fact, every tournament is a privilege, but it is more so here because of the entry barrier.  You all should feel this; you earned your way to get here.

As a reminder, all players have eighteen hanchan in nine two-hanchan sets to play in the span of three days.  That is a long endurance run at mahjong against invitational qualified players.  This tournament is an opportunity.  Be blessed to be here at all.

To those who may end up with a relative poor tournament outing.  My advice here: Be a sport and play through the event.  Being at home, I have to do the same.  The format is laid out, and all players signed up for it.  Something can still be taken out of this event for your own mahjong experience.

Hopefully, everyone walks away from this experience with something, no matter the result.

To those who qualify into the World Riichi Championship, this is an early congratulations; and the World Riichi Championship is a matter onto itself to be discussed at a later time.

To the event staff, you know what to do.  Even if you do not, someone on location does.  The tournament is in good hands.

Finally, everyone enjoy yourselves at the invitational.  Make the most out of it, as you can.  Good luck everyone.

These words are my own.  It is what I believe.


Signed, Kyuu
ARA Board Member
Captain - Chicago Area Mahjong

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