Mahjong's appeal is going increasingly global as seen during the world championships in Chongqing. Ran Wen / for China Daily

More than 180 players from 13 countries participated in the 3rd World Mahjong Championships, held in the Qianjiang district of Chongqing this week. Ran Wen / for China Daily

The tiles and scoring rules used in mahjong may differ slightly, depending on regional variations, but the game is essentially the same in all versions. Ran Wen / for China Daily

Tu Shaobo, a student at the Communication University of China, at the 3rd World Mahjong Championships, which attracted college students from across the country. Ran Wen / for China Daily

Game attracting more players overseas, Wang Huazhong reports in Qianjiang, Chongqing.

After spending most of his life working as a security guard at a State-owned factory, Liang Jianguo took on a role he never imagined.

"I never thought we would host the World Mahjong Championships or that I would travel overseas as a referee," he said.

Liang was head referee at the third World Mahjong Championships in Qianjiang, Chongqing municipality.

Saturday saw a convoy of police cars shepherding 13 buses carrying the 12 referees, including Liang, and 186 players from 13 countries to local government buildings for the championship's opening ceremony.

The 84 overseas players demonstrated their skill and exchanged strategy during the championships that also drew 102 domestic competitors.