Mike Sexton dies at 72 after battling prostate cancer, grieving fans say 'poker world will never be the same'
American professional poker player and commentator Mike Sexton died on Sunday, September 6, at the age of 72. The news regarding his death was announced by fellow Poker Hall of Fame member Linda Johnson. He reportedly succumbed to prostate cancer.
She tweeted, "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."
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
In the following tweet, Johnson remembered Sexton for being a "humble person" and cherished the "wonderful memories" from their travels around the world. "Mike leaves an amazing legacy for the poker world and for his family. RIP Mike Sexton!," she wrote.
I am so thankful for the wonderful memories I have of traveling the world with Mike Sexton for the past 30+years. There was no kinder more humble person. Mike leaves an amazing legacy for the poker world and for his family. RIP Mike Sexton!
— Linda Johnson (@FirstLadyPoker) September 7, 2020
Besides racking a series of WPT tournament titles, Sexton was best known as the commentator of the World Poker Tour alongside Vince Van Patten. He also served as the chairman for PartyPoker.com, which is an online poker room. Sexton also wrote for Card Player Magazine and Gambling Times. Thanks to his contribution to the realm of poker, he is famously recognized as "ambassador of poker."
His knowledge and success in poker helped him earn over $6.7 million through live tournaments, according to Hendon Mob Poker Database. He was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2009.
Sexton had acquired a degree in public recreation from the Ohio State University after changing majors from business. He apparently joked that he majored in poker because he "frequently played it in college." He also taught classes in North Carolina.
The passing of the legendary Poker star has left many distraught. A significant number of his followers and friends took to Twitter to mourn his loss. Soon RIP Mike started to trend on the platform as more and more people offered their condolences to the former poker champion.
One tweeted, "I learned to love poker in the summer of 2004, working second shift in at a tool & die, and watching WPT episodes after work at 2am on the Travel Channel. RIP Mike Sexton, you are one of the greats. @CrushLivePoker." Another added, "The poker world will never be the same seemed like Mike was everywhere rooting for everyone. RIP Mike you will never be forgotten and condolences to your family who you spoke of often."
I learned to love poker in the summer of 2004, working second shift in at a tool & die, and watching WPT episodes after work at 2am on the Travel Channel. RIP Mike Sexton, you are one of the greats. @CrushLivePoker
— Terp (@TerpHimself) September 7, 2020
The poker world will never be the same seemed like Mike was everywhere rooting for everyone. RIP Mike you will never be forgotten and condolences to your family who you spoke of often. https://t.co/OYMlcnKtIt
— Daniel Shak (@daniel_shak) September 7, 2020
One wrote, "This is so sad! This year sucks! RIP Mike you will be dearly missed! Praying for his family."
This is so sad! This year sucks! RIP Mike you will be dearly missed! Praying for his family.
— Andrew AK (@aknadler) September 7, 2020