Mike Sexton: A Legacy Built on Skill and Voice

It’s hard to talk about modern-day poker without mentioning Mike Sexton. He is one of the game’s most influential ambassadors and a key player in initiating the poker boom of the early 2000s.

Mike Sexton lived and breathed the game in all its aspects—as a player, commentator, writer, lecturer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, you name it. He helped transition poker from a mere card game to a prestigious sport recognized globally.

His life journey was action-packed, and this casino news gives you an overview of his career.

Mike Sexton: His Balance Between Poker and Commentary

Mike Sexton was a WPT Champion, commentator, poker advocate, and bracelet-winning player. He became a Poker Hall of Fame member in 2009, an honor he well deserved. He popularized the game alongside his partner and friend, Vince Van Patten, and was even dubbed the “Ambassador of Poker.”

In 2001, Mike Sexton co-founded his poker site and later served as its chairman. He also founded the now-halted Tournament of Champions of Poker, an event reserved for the previous year’s tournament winners that showcased the brightest minds in the game. His influence extended beyond poker into casino games, making him a true pioneer in both realms.

Acknowledging his incredible legacy, the WPT officially renamed the WPT Champions Cup the “Mike Sexton WPT Champions Cup.” According to him, “This was his biggest achievement.”

Mike Sexton’s Early Days and Introduction to Poker: From Gymnastics to the Army

Michael Richard Sexton was born in Shelbyville, Indiana, on September 22, 1947. He attended Fairmont High School and then Ohio State University, where he was an excellent gymnast, passionately somersaulting everywhere he found himself.

Mike learned to play poker at 13 from a 15-year-old neighbor who taught him many card games, including Gin Rummy, Heart, and Euchre. Mike used to beat his dorm mates in any of these games back in college, as he was twice better than them. He could play any card game, even Caribbean poker.

After college, during the Vietnam era, while the war was ending, he joined the army as a paratrooper due to his gymnastics talents. Later, he left the army and became a ballroom dance teacher. From there, he transitioned into marketing.

However, these fields were not his passion. So, he decided to pursue what he loved and a career where he could make money: poker. Mike became a professional player in 1977 and played the game passionately before moving to Las Vegas in 1985 to continue his career. During his time in Las Vegas, he built a name that would last even in places like Vegas Aces Casino today, where he sharpened his skills and solidified his reputation in the poker world.

Mike Sexton and His Notable Tournament Wins

Mike Sexton’s poker tournament journey started in 1981 at the Amarillo Slim’s Superbowl of Poker $1,000 Razz event with a 3rd-place win. In 1989, he triumphed in the WSOP $1,500 Seven-Card Stud Split event. He won $104,400 and his first WSOP bracelet.

In January of 1990, he took first place in the $500 + 30 Pot Limit Omaha event and the $1,000 + 50 Limit Hold ’em event at a poker tournament in Tahoe, earning $82,125 in prize money. He followed up these wins with a $37,800 victory in the $500 + 30 Limit 7 Card Stud tournament in Las Vegas in January 1992.

Sexton’s winning streak didn’t stop there. In February 1993, he triumphed in the $1,000 + 50 Pot Limit Omaha tournament in Los Angeles, earning a $40,500 payday. In December of 1993, Sexton took first place in the $2,000 7 Card Stud and $2,000 Limit Hold ’em tournaments in Mashantucket, earning a combined $61,280 in prize money. To learn more about games and strategies like his, be sure to check out our American casino guide section.

In 1996, he participated in the Queens Poker Classic Summer Edition game, winning the $1,500 + 70 No Limit Hold ’em event for $40,800. He also won $20,000 in the $500 + 40 Omaha Hi/Lo tournament at the Las Vegas 1998 Four Queens Poker Classic.

A New Era for Mike Sexton

Sexton’s dominance continued well into the new century. In 2000, he triumphed at the Euro Finals of Poker in Paris, France. He came first in the FF 30,000 European Holdem Championship for a jaw-dropping FF 1,153,500 (equivalent to $169,657 in USD). In 2003, he defended his title by winning the €5,000 European Heads Up Championships at the Euro Finals of Poker in Paris, France, for €65,000.

His career reached a new height in 2006 when he won the coveted WSOP Tournament of Champions against Daniel Negreanu, pocketing his biggest prize—$1 million. The following year, he won the $120,000 first-place prize at the Las Vegas Poker After Dark Season II of Mouth and Men event.

He claimed another victory in the World Poker Tour (WPT) Montreal Main Event in November 2016. He won the WPT title and C$425,980 (about USD 317,817) in prize money in the C$3,500 + 350 No Limit Hold ’em event.

Lynne Ji, a rising star in the world of poker, often speaks of the many talented players who have inspired her throughout her career. Among these, Mike Sexton’s legendary status and charismatic personality undoubtedly left a lasting impression.

In a similar fashion to Mike, you can also be a master at other poker variants using resources like Jacks or Better Guide.

Mike Sexton: His Net Worth

Mike Sexton amassed $6,708,146 in live earnings during his lifetime. Reports revealed he is Worth $10 million. He stopped playing poker in 2019 due to his health.

Sexton’s Demise and Legacy

On September 27, 2020, the poker world lost the irreplaceable figure Mike Sexton, who passed away at age 72 after battling prostate cancer. His influence on poker goes far beyond his success at the table. As a player, commentator, and ambassador, he shaped the game into the global phenomenon it is today. From his early victories to co-founding poker businesses, Sexton’s contributions modernized poker, making it accessible to players worldwide. His legacy is solidified with honors like the WPT Champions Cup being renamed after him, a fitting tribute to his impact on the poker community.

Even after his passing, Mike Sexton remains a towering figure in the poker world, and his contributions will continue to inspire players for years to come.

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