Mike Sexton passes away at the age of 72
Poker legend Mike Sexton has sadly passed away at home following a long battle with prostate cancer. The American poker legend was one of the greatest poker ambassadors, much-loved in the poker community and will be sorely missed.
Mike Sexton – One of the Greatest Ever
Mike Sexton is possibly the most popular character poker saw in a long time. The world-class player and sometime commentator was universally liked by his peers, both professionals and amateur fun players.
Only last week the poker world was hit with a bolt out of the blue when news came on social media explaining that Sexton was entering in-home hospice care to prepare for the inevitable.
Well-wishers on Twitter sent messages of support, expressing their hope for a miracle, but it wasn’t to be.
When the news that Sexton had passed away hit social media tributes have been pouring in from all over the globe.
just can’t believe it baby @Mike_partypoker you will be missed greatly my friend. on and off the tables you are truly the greatest of all time baby pic.twitter.com/eCEu3zodOy
— Scotty Nguyen (@TheScottyNguyen) September 7, 2020
People who only knew him from his appearances on-screen were just as despondent as those who had played with the great man.
“I can only imagine how good company he was to be around in real life. Mike was the person above anyone else, I loved listening to.”
“His poker memories and stories were amazing to hear, and the passion he spoke with about the game was unrivalled. R I P”
Mike Sexton the Man
Mike Sexton was born in Shelbyville, Indiana on September 22, 1947. A keen gymnast in his early years took him to a scholarship at the Ohio State University. He later became a paratrooper in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division from 1970 to 1972.
Only five years after leaving the military he was already in Las Vegas living the life of a professional poker player. Rubbing shoulders with many of the greats of the past, he was one of our last connections with that era.
A gutting loss. Mike Sexton was a giant for the game. Very few people did more for the game of poker than he did. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. https://t.co/qZduLo34tE
— Phil Ivey (@philivey) September 7, 2020
His career, while not reaching the same heights as his close friend Stu Ungar, was still stellar. Close to $7 million in live tournament winnings, along with a World Series of Poker gold bracelet and a World Poker Tour title, puts him in the top bracket of players.
Sexton’s cash game prowess was also legendary. He must have earned millions more from the quiet nights grinding in card rooms up and down The Strip.
What Mike Sexton Did for Poker
Mike Sexton’s contribution to the development of what poker is today cannot be overstated.
His role as a player turned businessman when he got involved with partypoker, even before they launched, played a big role in how things eventually turned out.
Goodbye old friend. Give Mad Marty & The Devilfish a high five when you bump into them please 🙏 pic.twitter.com/4OkMniy5X0
— Rob Yong (@rob_yong_) September 7, 2020
Later on his commentary for the World Poker Tour was so popular that many would feel a thirst to play the game again post Black Friday. US poker rooms might be a rare commodity these days but there’s no doubt that Sexton was responsible for many new sign ups over the years.
This might be the end of Mike Sexton’s story but he will never be forgotten. We send our condolences to his family and friends.
In Mike’s own words,
“May all of your cards be live and may all of your pots be monsters.”
Don’t forget to check out the latest poker news to see what’s been happening in the poker world.
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