Midland co-founders open WTX Mahjong House as league grows

May 8-Co-founders and native Midlanders Nikki Viilo and Callie Davis of the WTX Mahjong House said their experiences with the ancient Chinese tile game of mahjong not only created a new business venture but also a shared social journey.

In March 2025, Viilo said she created the mahjong league to bring players together because people were taking lessons and didn't have anyone to play with. Now, the co-owners have opened a dedicated space in Midland for the game.

Viilo and Davis said their search for a dedicated playing space in Midland began last summer and ended with a brick-and-mortar location at 3211 W. Wadley Ave., Suite 5A, in the Imperial Shopping Center. Since the grand opening last week, the co-founders said they have welcomed players and hosted several events.

"We got the keys on Jan. 1, and we started working through the designs for the space," said the co-owners. "The design process took about a month and a half, and then we started the construction process."

The construction process, both owners said, was a journey in itself.

"Neither of us has owned a business before, so we were both just trying to navigate that," said Viilo.

Now that the space is open, the co-owners said it is closed Sundays and Wednesdays.

"Our hours are tentative," said Davis. "Just until we see what the community is looking for. But we are always open for play."

The co-owners also said they have partnered with another business to provide custom beverages, including dirty sodas.

"We have already had several private events, such as birthday parties and a senior's graduation party, and even a staff appreciation night," said the co-owners. "I think the vision is just people in here having fun and knowing the game, shopping, and all the things that come with the game."

Viilo said the spring league is closed, but the summer league is already in the early planning stages.

"Our group lessons have been the biggest asset," Viilo said. "Tomorrow we are sold out. You see the store full of people wanting to learn and then the best way to continue learning is to keep playing."

Another feature of the space, Viilo said, is a scramble option that allows players to connect with others who want to play at the same time.

"It's just a great way for women to connect on their own schedule," said Viilo. "We thought this would be a good format, and we did it previously over Christmas and the holidays."

Both co-owners reinforced their gratitude for the support of their community and friends.

"We watched our friends, our family, our neighbors, and everybody show up to support us," said the co-owners. "Even mentors and small business owners have really helped us. It's been truly a very supportive community, and so it's made this experience a little bit sweeter."

For more information about joining the WTX Mahjong League or connecting with players, visit wtxmahjong.com.

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