Mike Sexton, Legendary Poker Player, Commentator and Ambassador, Dies Aged 72
3 years ago07 Sep
Mike Sexton, the āAmbassador of Pokerā, has passed away peacefully at home after losing his battle with prostate cancer ā fellow Hall of Famer Linda Johnson sharing the sad news with the poker community.
Mike Sexton has been credited with growing the game of poker more than perhaps any other person, his colourful commentary role with the WPT bringing thousands of new players into the poker fold.
Either side of his remarkable WPT run he helped turn partypoker into one of the leading global online poker-rooms, returning to them as chairman of the board in 2017.
As a player, Mike amassed $6,708,146 in tournament winnings dating back to the early 1980s and including a Tournament of Champions victory worth $1million in 2006, defeating Daniel Negreanu heads-up.
With a WPT title and WSOP bracelet among his numerous over the table accomplishments, Mike was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2009.
More than his wide-ranging poker accolades, however, Mike will be remembered for his incredible love for people and life, and his desire to help those around him.
Along with the āFirst Lady of Poker Linda Johnson, WSOP bracelet winner Jan Fisher and Lisa Tenner, Mike helped found the Poker Gives charity, using the game to deliver charitable help in Vegas.
Along his journey through every area of the poker world, Mike Sexton made friends, displaying an irresistible warmth, humour and humanity.
The outpouring of love from the poker community when they heard he had entered home hospice to ease his final days was mirrored today when news of his passing broke.
The phrase āpoker legendā is bandied about too carelessly sometimes, but Mike Sexton truly deserves the title and will always remain a huge and influential part of poker.
PokerTube extends its sincere condolences to Mikeās family and friends.
RIP Mike Sexton 1947-2020
Please now enjoy a small selection of our Favorite Mike Sexton moments:
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