Mike Sexton: Player, Friend & World-Class Poker Commentator

Mike Sexton wasn’t just a poker player – he was the voice, heart, and soul of the game for decades. From the felt to the microphone, he brought class, charm, and passion to everything he touched.

Loved by fans and peers alike, Mike’s influence as a World Poker Tour commentator and ambassador helped shape modern poker. Several years after his passing, his memory remains strong, not just in headlines or trophies, but in stories, friendships, and the many lives he impacted. This tribute reflects on the man behind the legend: poker player, commentator, and above all, a genuinely kind soul.

The Early Life of Mike Sexton

Before becoming a poker icon, Mike Sexton lived a remarkably colorful life. Born in Indiana and raised in a modest Midwestern household, he excelled as a gymnast and eventually attended Ohio State University. Though he started in business, he switched to a degree in public recreation and unofficially majored in poker, playing frequently on campus. He also loved contract bridge, even teaching it during his time in North Carolina.

In 1970, Sexton joined the U.S. Army, serving as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. While he never saw combat, he spent time teaching ballroom dancing to fellow soldiers and civilians alike. One of his dance clients encouraged him to try sales, which he pursued after his service. But it wasn’t long before Mike realized he could make a better living at the poker table. By 1985, he moved to Nevada to play the game full-time.

Becoming an Ambassador for Poker

Mike Sexton’s rise in the poker world is a testament to his passion and dedication. As a poker player, he achieved incredible milestones, including a World Poker Tour (WPT) victory in 2016 at the Montreal Main Event, where he bested a field of 648 players to win $317,896. His career earnings from the WPT were over $1 million, with 17 cashes and four final table appearances.

In addition to his success at the tables, Sexton was a beloved commentator, spending 15 seasons as the lead voice of the WPT alongside Vince Van Patten. He also made his mark at the World Series of Poker. Although he never won a WSOP Main Event, he did pick up a bracelet in 1989 in the $1,500 Seven Card Stud Split event, and recorded nearly $5.7 million in lifetime WSOP earnings.

Beyond his playing and commentary career, Sexton co-founded PartyPoker, helping the platform become one of the largest online poker sites at the time. As an ambassador for poker, he touched countless lives, inspiring players with his passion for the game.

When CoinPoker Ambassador Isabelle Mercier First Met Mike Sexton

This is Isabelle Mercier’s personal recollection of Mike Sexton.

“I first met Mike at the Aviation Club de France on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. From the moment I met him, I was struck by how humble, kind, and approachable he was. Mike wasn’t the typical poker pro, always serious and reserved – he was warm and had a funny story. One moment I’ll never forget was when he asked a valet to go to the store during the dinner break to buy him ketchup for his fries! At the time, the club wasn’t equipped with ketchup. Mike, ever generous, tipped him $200. It was a simple gesture, but it said a lot about the man.

We spent countless dinners together with Bruno Fitoussi, chatting about poker, discussing the online game, and laughing about the new strategies. Mike was always eager to share his poker knowledge, and I loved listening to his stories.”

Why Mike Sexton Was One of a Kind

Mike Sexton’s net worth or tournament victories aren’t a true measure of his impact on poker. His ability to make the game accessible and exciting for millions was what made Mike a poker one of a kind. He wasn’t the most feared player at the table like some of his peers, but he carved out his own place in the poker world. While commentating on the WPT, Mike Sexton played a pivotal role in making poker mainstream and engaging for a global audience.

While Mike Sexton’s death left a void in the community, his influence endures. He inspired countless players who grew up watching him on TV, commenting on final tables. Through his passion and genuine love for the game, Mike’s contributions will be remembered long after his passing, as he helped many pursue poker as both a passion and a profession. His legacy is a lasting one, transcending trophies or titles.

The Poker World Loses a Legend

The poker world was deeply affected by Mike’s passing in September 2020. A legend in both his playing and commentary careers, Mike’s contributions to the game will never be forgotten. As a beloved figure, his warmth and passion for poker shaped the way many viewed the game. Mike’s impact went beyond his achievements; his ability to make poker accessible to everyone, whether on television or at the table, was unmatched.

As Isabelle Mercier beautifully put it in her tribute, “We have lost the world’s greatest poker lover down here, but I take comfort in thinking that games up there with DevilFish, Stu Ungar, Gavin Smith, Chip Reese, Amir Vahedi, and others are going to become a lot more fun with Mike at the table. GL buddy!”

FAQs