Mike Sexton
| Born | September 22, 1947 |
| Birth Place | Shelbyville, IN, US |
| Died | September 6, 2020 (aged 72), Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Nickname | The Ambassador of Poker |
| Winnings | $6,708,146 |
| Best Live Cash | $1,109,333 |
| WSOP Bracelets | 1 |
| WSOP Final Tables | 23 |
| WSOP Money Finishes | 72 |
| Highest ITM ME WSOP | 12th, WSOP 2000 |
| World Poker Tour Titles | 1 |
For people who grew up watching the World Poker Tour on the Travel Channel, Mike Sexton is and always will be the “voice” of poker.
And rightly so. For the 15 years Mike Sexton was the lead commentator for the WPT, Sexton’s joyful, thoughtful poker commentary and expressions (“May all your cards be live and all your pots be monsters!”) served as the soundtrack for players of all ages glued to final table after final table coverage.
It’s also no exaggeration to say that Mike Sexton is one of poker’s finest ambassadors to the world. For years he envisioned corporate endorsements and sponsorships of poker tournaments could work as a means of introducing poker into the mainstream — as a hobby to be enjoyed by everybody.
It worked. He discussed his ideas with anybody who would listen and the success of the World Poker Tour can largely be chalked up to his credit.
Mike is known as a hard-working ideas man with a passion for what he does. And in his role on the WPT that passion turned him into “the face of poker” to the greater public.
He seems to posses an ingrained talent for on-air commentary; with no prior broadcasting experience he distinguished himself by being able to discuss and explain poker in a manner that non-players understand and that pros can appreciate and learn from.
He is also famous for having coined an oft-repeated phrase regarding No-Limit Hold’em:
“It takes five minutes to learn but a lifetime to master.”
Life before poker
Mike Sexton was born on September 22, 1947, in Shelbyville, Indiana, and grew up in Dayton, Ohio. He attended Ohio State University, where he earned a degree in public recreation. Mike Sexton was introduced to poker during his college years at Ohio State University, where he played in small home games with friends. While in college, Sexton was a gymnast, showing an early interest in sports. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division from 1970 to 1972. Before turning to poker professionally, he worked as a salesman.
Mike Sexton playing poker
Mike Sexton’s journey into poker began in his hometown of Dayton, Ohio. At just 12 years old, he would lose his newspaper delivery earnings in home games against his friends, including future poker legend Danny Robison. Sexton’s poker interest deepened during his time at Ohio State University, and after serving as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division, he returned to poker, realizing he could earn more than in his sales job. His full-time poker career started with cash games and small tournaments, and eventually led him to Las Vegas, where his reputation grew both as a player and promoter.
In the late 1980s, Mike became serious about tournament play, earning his first major victory with a gold bracelet at the 1989 WSOP in the $1,500 Seven-Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better event. This marked the beginning of his tournament successes, including multiple WSOP cashes, a career-best 12th place finish in the 2000 WSOP Main Event, and a 9th place finish in the inaugural $1 million Big One for One Drop in 2014.
Sexton’s crowning achievement came in November 2016, when he won his first-ever WPT title at the Playground Poker Club in Montreal, taking home $317,896.
Major Tournament Successes:
| Date | Event | Place | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb, 1981 | Amarillo Slim’s Superbowl Of Poker, $1000 Razz | 3 | $9,500 |
| 3 May, 1984 | WSOP 1984, $1000 Pot Limit Omaha | 5 | $8,400 |
| 11 May, 1989 | WSOP 1989, $1500 Seven-Card Stud Split | 1 | $104,400 |
| 21 Jan, 1990 | Super Stars of Poker, $1050 Limit Hold’em | 1 | $62,100 |
| 23 Feb, 1993 | L.A. Poker Classic, $1050 Pot Limit Omaha | 1 | $40,500 |
| Dec, 1993 | World Poker Finals, $2000 Limit Hold’em | 1 | $40, 480 |
| 19 Sep, 1996 | Four Queens Poker Classic, $5085 No Limit Hold’em | 1 | $112,000 |
| 18 Sep, 1997 | Queens Poker Classic Summer Edition, $1575 No Limit Hold’em | 1 | $40,800 |
| 11 Mar, 2000 | Euro Finals of Poker, Hold’em Championship | 1 | $169,657 |
| 15 May, 2000 | WSOP 2000, World Championship No Limit Hold’em (Main Event) | 12 | $52,160 |
| 18 May, 2002 | WSOP 2002, $1000 Seniors Championship No Limit Hold’em | 2 | $68,860 |
| 10 Feb, 2003 | Euro Finals of Poker, €5000 Heads Up Championship | 1 | €65,000 |
| 19 Jan, 2005 | Crown Australian Poker Championships, Pot Limit / No Limit Speed Poker | 1 | A$ 120,000 |
| 25 Jun, 2006 | WSOP 2006, No Limit Hold’em | 1 | $1,000,000 |
| 30 May, 2008 | WSOP 2008, $10000 Pot Limit Hold’em | 4 | $248,160 |
| 14 Mar, 2011 | World Poker Tour, $10000 No Limit Hold’em | 6 | $148,000 |
| 01 Jul, 2012 | WSOP 2012, The Big One for One Drop $1000000 | 9 | $1,109,333 |
| 26 Jun, 2013 | WSOP 2013, One Drop High Roller $111111 | 16 | $208,968 |
| 05 Jun, 2015 | WSOP 2015, No Limit Hold’em Millionaire Maker $1500 | 9 | $115,890 |
| 11 Nov, 2016 | World Poker Tour, C$ 4000 No Limit Hold’em | 1 | C$ 425,980 |
| 25 Feb, 2017 | World Poker Tour, $10000 No Limit Hold’em (Main Event) | 4 | $300,690 |
WSOP Success
Mike Sexton cashed in 72 World Series of Poker (WSOP) events throughout his career, including making 23 final table appearances. His total WSOP earnings amounted to $2,656,066. His greatest achievement at the WSOP was winning a bracelet in the 1989 $1,500 Seven-Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better event. Additionally, his notable finishes include placing 12th in the 2000 WSOP Main Event.
In 2012, Mike Sexton had one of his biggest career cashes when he finished 9th in the inaugural $1 million buy-in Big One for One Drop event at the WSOP. This tournament featured the largest buy-in in poker history and drew some of the game’s biggest names. Sexton’s finish earned him $1,109,333, marking one of his most significant financial achievements in a single tournament, adding to his already impressive WSOP career earnings.
World Poker Tour
Mike Sexton’s involvement with the World Poker Tour (WPT) was integral to the organization’s growth and poker’s worldwide popularity. For 15 seasons, Sexton was the WPT’s lead commentator, offering viewers clear and insightful analysis that helped demystify the game for new audiences. His commentary, along with his famous catchphrases, made him the “Voice of Poker.”
Despite his focus on broadcasting, Sexton remained competitive in WPT events, amassing 14 cashes and 3 final tables over the years. His standout moment came in November 2016, when he achieved a major milestone by winning his first WPT title at the partypoker.net-sponsored WPT Montreal. In a field of 648 players, Sexton claimed the $317,896 first prize, defeating notable opponents like Canadian Benny Chen and future WPT champion Ema Zajmovic, who made history as the first woman to win an open-field WPT event. This victory was particularly significant as it marked a high point in his illustrious career before his transition to PartyPoker.
In 2017, Sexton stepped down as the WPT commentator to become Chairman of PartyPoker, a company he co-founded. His influence on the WPT was honored when the WPT Champions Cup was renamed the Mike Sexton WPT Champions Cup, forever linking his name with the tournament series he helped popularize. His contributions as both a player and ambassador cement his status as a true icon of poker.
Chairman of PartyPoker
Mike Sexton played a key role in the creation of PartyPoker in 2001. As one of the company’s co-founders, he helped develop the platform at a time when online poker was just starting to gain traction. His vision for poker’s global reach was crucial in PartyPoker becoming one of the biggest online poker sites in the world. Despite his contributions, Sexton sold his shares in PartyPoker before its initial public offering, a decision that resulted in a significant financial loss, as those shares would later be valued at nearly $500 million.
In 2017, after 15 years as the voice of the World Poker Tour, Sexton returned to PartyPoker as its Chairman, signaling a new era for both him and the company. His role as Chairman involved overseeing software development, improving customer service, and promoting PartyPoker’s live poker tour alongside John Duthie, the founder of the European Poker Tour. Sexton’s goal was to rejuvenate PartyPoker’s brand and establish it as a leader in the industry once again, focusing on creating a more player-friendly experience, especially for recreational players.
Under his leadership, PartyPoker not only revitalized its platform but also expanded its live tour operations globally. His dedication to the brand and his ambition to grow PartyPoker’s presence worldwide were a testament to his lifelong commitment to the poker industry.
Sexton remained actively involved with PartyPoker until his passing in 2020.
Poker Hall of Fame
In 2009 Sexton became the only player elected to that year’s Poker Hall of Fame class. He was the only nominee who collected the 75% of the votes needed for induction and so entered the Hall alone.
While his tournament record of course contributed to his selection it was Sexton’s off-the-felt contributions that clearly pushed him overt he edge. Besides being one of the most vocal proponents of poker as a game of skill and a hobby to be shared by all, Sexton has also been very generous when it comes to charities.
Not only did he donate half of his $1 million payday in the 2006 Tournament of Champions, Sexton also co-founded pokergives.org, an organization that helps poker players give to worthy charities.
In 2017 Sexton released his autobiography, Life’s a Gamble, to high praise both within and outside of the poker world.
Mike Sexton reflected on his induction into the Poker Hall of Fame and the honor of having the WPT Champions Cup named after him, saying:
“I was proud to be inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame. I didn’t think anything could ever top that, but in my mind, this does. To have the WPT Champions Cup named in my honor… is truly the highest peak in my 40 years in poker. Thank you to the World Poker Tour for this humbling distinction.”
“Life’s a Gamble” – Mike Sexton’s Autobiography
In 2016, Mike Sexton released his autobiography, “Life’s a Gamble,” providing an insider’s look into his extraordinary journey in the poker world. The book chronicles his evolution from a young poker enthusiast to becoming the “Ambassador of Poker,” sharing intimate stories and valuable lessons learned along the way. Sexton delves into his experiences with legendary players, high-stakes tournaments, and the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the poker industry. He also reflects on his role in the founding of PartyPoker and his tenure as a commentator for the World Poker Tour. Through candid anecdotes and personal insights, “Life’s a Gamble” offers readers inspiration and a deeper understanding of the risks and rewards that come with pursuing one’s passion.
Charity
Mike Sexton was known for his generous charitable work throughout his life. In 2006, he donated half of his $1 million prize from the WSOP Tournament of Champions to five charities. He co-founded PokerGives.org, an organization that facilitates charitable donations from poker players. Sexton also had a strong connection to veterans’ causes. In 2008, he was honored with the Patriot Award from the Paralyzed Veterans of America for his contributions to veterans’ charities. His dedication to using poker to give back to those in need left a lasting impact.
Honors, Awards
Mike Sexton received numerous honors throughout his career. In 2009, he was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame, a recognition of both his poker achievements and his contributions to the game’s promotion. In 2008, he was awarded the Patriot Award by the Paralyzed Veterans of America for his charitable efforts supporting veterans.
In 2017, Mike Sexton was a major nominee at the GPI American Poker Awards, following a successful year in which he won his first WPT title at the Montreal Main Event. He was nominated for Tournament Performance of the Year, Poker Moment of the Year, and Media Content of the Year. Sexton had previously received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the GPI. His performance in 2016 solidified his status as one of poker’s most celebrated figures.
After his passing in 2020, the WPT Champions Cup was renamed the Mike Sexton WPT Champions Cup in his honor, acknowledging his legacy as a pioneer and ambassador of poker.
Death
Mike Sexton passed away on September 6, 2020, after battling prostate cancer. He was buried at Palm Eastern Cemetery in Las Vegas, Nevada. His passing was a significant loss for the poker world, and numerous tributes poured in from across the globe, honoring his contributions and legacy in the game of poker. Sexton’s influence as a player, commentator, and ambassador will be remembered for generations.
Adam Pliska, CEO of the World Poker Tour, remarked:
“Mike served as a WPT commentator for 15 seasons and spent a lifetime growing the game of poker around the globe… Mike’s legacy will forever be a part of poker’s history.”
In his personal life, Sexton is survived by his son, Ty, who continues to carry on his father’s memory.