RIP Mike Sexton: Poker Mourns Passing of Industry Icon

September 7th, 2020 | by Jason Reynolds

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

Mike Sexton is poker’s greatest ambassadors. He authorized this tweet. He has only wanted to deliver positive messages so he kept his health problems private. Mike has been battling prostate cancer that has recently spread to other organs. He began in-home hospice a month ago.
— Linda Johnson (@FirstLadyPoker) September 1, 2020

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.

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

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

People deal with grief in different ways and admit I haven’t dealt with the illness and passing of Mike Sexton as well as I should have. There comes a time in everyone’s life when more people we love pass away but this one really hurts. I loved him like a brother. #ThankYouMike pic.twitter.com/3XaYw6QKa8
— Matt Savage (@SavagePoker) September 7, 2020

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.

Thank you, Linda. The tribute yesterday for Mike Sexton was so moving. He was one of the most gentle and warm-hearted people I ever met. I speak for every poker player I know when I say he will be missed. #RIPMikeSexton https://t.co/H89DnaQq28 pic.twitter.com/ct25lwrBoK
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) September 7, 2020

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.

A gutting loss. Mike Sexton was a giant for the game. Very few people did more for the game of poker than he did. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. https://t.co/qZduLo34tE
— Phil Ivey (@philivey) September 7, 2020

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.