Poker Legend Mike Sexton Loses Battle Against Prostate Cancer

Mike Sexton had been battling advanced prostate cancer since August but the poker world was only able to know his condition last week, when his close friends revealed on Twitter that the poker legend was receiving hospice care. A few days later, the poker world now mourns the passing of one of the game’s greatest ambassadors.

Linda Johnson tweeted on September 7, that Sexton peacefully died at his home surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was 72.

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

Sexton’s Massive Contributions To Poker

Sexton spent most of his life playing poker and promoting the game across the globe. He played professionally for around two decades before joining the World Poker Tour (WPT) as a commentator. He took charge of the WPT broadcast booth alongside partner Vince Van Patten and travelled the world to bring the game into the mainstream.

World Poker Tour

 

Sexton was among the founders of partypoker, an online poker site launched in 2001, which has grown to become the world’s second largest online poker platform. In 2017, he left the WPT to serve as chairman of the site.

While he was best known for his work and contributions in promoting the game of poker, Sexton’s achievements as a poker pro are also worthy of praise. He was a WSOP gold bracelet winner, having won the $1,500 7-Card Stud Hi-Lo in 1989; he also became one of the winners of a tournament he himself created, the WSOP Tournament of Champions.

In 2012, he ran deep in the Big One for One Drop, finishing ninth for $1,109,333. He also took down the 2016 WPT Montreal, taking home $317,896. Overall, Sexton’s total live earnings sat at over $6.7 million.

The poker community remembers him as a poker and industry legend, a great ambassador, and someone who is loved by everyone. His significant contributions to the overall growth of poker were recognized when he was inducted to the prestigious Poker Hall of Fame back in 2009; he was the only person honored that year.

Sexton also showed commitment to charitable acts, donating some of his prize money to worthy causes. In fact, half of the $1,000,000 he won during the WSOP Tournament of Champions was given to charity. He took part in several charity activities on a regular basis, such as WSOP’s Salute to Warriors and the WPT’s Tiger Jam. Recently the WPT honoured him by engraving his name on the WPT Champions Cup.

We at top10pokersites.net also would like to convey our deepest condolences to the family at this time.