Poker News – Catch up with the Latest Poker Stories at PokerSites.com™

RIP Mike Sexton: Poker Mourns Passing of Industry Icon

Mike Sexton, one of poker’s pioneers and a much-loved member of the community, has passed away aged 72.

Champion of poker and poker champion Mike Sexton has passed away at the age of 72. (Image: Partypoker Live)

The long-time player and voice of the WPT lost his battle with prostate cancer on Sunday. News of Sexton’s passing was made public by his friend, Linda Johnson.

Just minutes after the announcement, messages of remembrance and condolence range out across the industry.

Mike Sexton Suffers in Silence but Friends Offer Support

News of Sexton’s illness only came to light last week. The American had been suffering from prostate cancer for some time but only those closest to him knew.

However, with the cancer spreading to other parts of his body, Sexton’s friends made his condition public. The man himself hasn’t tweeted since August 22 but few knew why.

The in-home hospice care he was receiving keep him off social media. It also signaled that his odds of pulling through we slim.

Johnson’s tweet confirmed what many feared but also expected. The loss has hit the community hard but Sexton’s contribution to the game won’t be forgotten.

Mike Sexton Was All About Poker

Prior to poker, the Indiana native served as a paratrooper in the US Army. He went on to work as a salesman before turning his passion for poker into a full-time career.

Alongside the likes of Stu Ungar, Sexton cut his teeth at the WSOP and proved himself to be as much of an ambassador as a player.

He had a stake in Partypoker at its launch and quickly became a firm fixture on the WPT where he served as a commentator for 15 seasons. For many, Sexton wasn’t just a poker player, he was poker.

His catchphrase “may all your cards be live, and all your pots be monsters” defined the WPT and he was always working to make the game a mainstream sport.

As it was when Dave Ulliott, Marty Wilson, and other poker legends passed, the loss will be great. However, this generation and those that follow will continue to benefit from the legacy Mike Sexton left behind.