Poker Player and TV Commentator Mike Sexton Dies at 72

Hall of Fame poker player and TV commentator Mike Sexton passed away Sunday at the age of 72 having lost the battle with cancer. Inducted in the World Series of Poker’s Poker Hall of Fame in 2009, Mike Sexton won more than $2.9 million during his active poker player career including one WSOP bracelet.

“Mike Sexton passed away peacefully at home earlier today surrounded by family members. He appreciated all the wonderful comments and farewells from poker players all over the world. Service details are forthcoming. For now, please keep his family in your thoughts as they grieve.”

Linda Johnson (@FirstLadyPoker) September 7, 2020

Born in Indiana in 1947, Mike Sexton’s professional poker career began in the late 70’s when he won numerous tournaments in the World Poker Tour (WPT). In 2006 he was recognized as the top poker ambassador by the Card Player Magazine in which he regularly contributed, and in 2009 Sexton was selected to join the Poker Hall of Fame.

WPT Commentator and Poker Ambassador

From 2003 to 2017 Mike Sexton worked as a commentator for WPT broadcasts alongside his broadcast partner Vince Van Patten, as both of them witnessed the boom of Texas Hold’em globally. Sexton considered poker “reality television at its finest”, with real people putting up real money and playing against each other for millions.

The poker world took to twitter and other social media to mourn the loss Mike Sexton.

Winner of ten WSOP bracelets and one WPT title, regarded at one time by numerous poker observers as the best all-round player in the world, Phil Ivey, expressed his condolences to Mike Sexton’s family and friends.

“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

Six WSOP bracelets and two WPT titles winner and recognized as the best poker player of the decade in 2014, Daniel Negreanu, reminded everyone of the exceptional poker talent of Mike Sexton.

“A competitor, a friend, a remarkable human being.

RIP Mike Sexton

This pic taken at the start of a 6 hour heads up deal in the TOC that Mike went on to win. He played so well that day I remember being truly shocked and impressed.” pic.twitter.com/cKRaqwbWux

Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker) September 7, 2020

Record winner of 15 WSOP bracelets Phil Helmut wrote a special article about the contribution of Mike Sexton to the popularity of the game.

“RIP Mike Sexton

HONORING MIKE: Phil Hellmuth Reflects on Poker Legend Mike Sexton’s Impact on the Game” https://t.co/qlbLZhuAXP

Phil Helmut (@phil_hellmuth) September 7, 2020

During the WPT Montreal Main Event in Season XV, Mike Sexton left the broadcast booth and managed to beat a field of 648 entries before winning $317,817, his third-biggest career result.