Mike Sexton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mike Sexton |
|
|---|---|
Sexton in 2019
|
|
| Nickname(s) | The Ambassador of Poker |
| Born | Michael Richard Sexton September 22, 1947 Dayton, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | September 6, 2020 (aged 72) Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
| World Series of Poker | |
| Bracelet(s) | 1 |
| Final table(s) | 23 |
| Money finish(es) | 59 |
| Highest ITM Main Event finish |
12th, 2000 |
| World Poker Tour | |
| Title(s) | 1 |
| Final table(s) | 4 |
| Money finish(es) | 15 |
Michael Richard Sexton (born September 22, 1947, died September 6, 2020) was a famous American professional poker player. He was also a well-known commentator who explained poker games on TV. In 2009, he was honored by being added to the Poker Hall of Fame.
Contents
Early Life and Army Service
Mike Sexton was a talented gymnast when he was younger. He went to Ohio State University and studied public recreation. He often joked that he "majored in poker" because he played it so much in college! He also enjoyed playing contract bridge, which is a card game, and even taught classes about it.
In 1970, Sexton joined the U.S. Army. He became a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. This division had just come back from the Vietnam War, so Sexton did not have to go to combat. While in the army, he taught ballroom dancing. After his two years of service, he became a salesman. However, by 1977, he realized he could earn more money playing poker, so he decided to become a full-time poker player. In 1985, he moved to Nevada to focus completely on poker.
Poker Career and Achievements
Mike Sexton was a very successful poker player and also helped make poker more popular.
World Poker Tour Success
On the World Poker Tour (WPT), Sexton earned money in 17 different tournaments. He reached the final table four times. In November 2016, he won the WPT Montreal Main Event. He beat 648 other players to win a prize of US$317,896! This was his first WPT victory. When he passed away, his total WPT earnings were over $1 million.
Sexton was also the main commentator for WPT TV shows. He worked with Vince Van Patten for the first 15 seasons, helping viewers understand the game.
World Series of Poker Wins
Sexton won several poker tournaments, including one special bracelet at the World Series of Poker. His total winnings from WSOP tournaments were almost $5.7 million. He won his bracelet in 1989 in a $1,500 seven-card stud split event.
In 2006, Sexton won the third annual World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions. This big win earned him $1 million! In 2012, he finished 9th in another major WSOP event called the "Big One for One Drop." This earned him $1,109,333, which was his biggest prize ever. In his last World Series of Poker in 2019, Sexton played with James Holzhauer, a famous game show contestant.
| Year | Tournament | Prize (US$) |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | $1,500 Seven-Card Stud Split | $104,400 |
Poker Commentator and Promoter
Besides playing, Mike Sexton was a well-known commentator for the World Poker Tour. He also wrote articles for Card Player Magazine and the Gambling Times. He even started a tournament called the Tournament of Champions of Poker, where only past tournament winners could compete.
PartyPoker.com
Sexton helped start PartyPoker.com, which became one of the biggest online poker websites in the United States. Even though the company started with a $500,000 debt in 2002, it grew very quickly. Four years later, the company became public, meaning its shares could be bought and sold by anyone. Sexton had sold his shares earlier, but he said he didn't regret his decision.
Charity Work
Mike Sexton was also known for his generosity. After winning the $1 million prize at the World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions in 2006, he donated half of his winnings (after taxes) to five different charities. He promised to do the same with all his future winnings.
In 2009, Sexton, along with Linda Johnson, Jan Fisher, and Lisa Tenner, created PokerGives.org. This is a non-profit group that makes it easier for poker players to donate money to good causes.
Honors and Awards
Because of all his hard work in promoting poker, Mike Sexton was often called "the ambassador of poker." In 2009, he was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame, which is a very high honor in the poker world. In 2006, Card Player Magazine also recognized him as the top poker ambassador.
On July 21, 2020, the main trophy for the World Poker Tour, called the WPT Champions Cup, was renamed the Mike Sexton WPT Champions Cup in his honor.
Death
Mike Sexton passed away on September 6, 2020. He had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
