Mike Sexton: The Voice

Mike Sexton was more than just a champion at the tables—he was the game’s greatest ambassador. Known for his charisma, integrity, and passion, Sexton played a pivotal role in popularizing the game around the world. A gifted player, a skilled commentator, and a respected figure in the poker community, he bridged the old-school roots of the game with the modern era.

For many fans, Mike Sexton was the voice they grew up with. As the longtime commentator of the World Poker Tour, his calm analysis, storytelling, and deep knowledge helped turn televised poker into global entertainment. But his influence went far beyond the microphone. Sexton was also a successful player, a marketing visionary, and a relentless advocate for the game’s growth and legitimacy.

His legacy is one of class, generosity, and vision. Few people have given as much to the game—or received as much love back—as Mike Sexton.

Personal Life

Mike Sexton was born on September 22, 1947, in Shelby, Indiana. He earned a degree in public recreation from Ohio State University and served as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. Long before his name became synonymous with the professional game, Sexton lived a disciplined life shaped by service, sports, and education.

Outside of the tables, Sexton was widely admired for his kindness and humility. He had a son, Ty, and often spoke of his family with affection and pride. Friends and peers consistently described him as someone who brought warmth and positivity to every room he entered. He was also known for his philanthropy—donating a significant portion of his winnings to various charities over the years.

Mike’s passing in 2020 from prostate cancer was met with an outpouring of respect and gratitude from the entire poker world. His life wasn’t just about success—it was about elevating everyone around him and making the game better for future generations.

Beginning in Poker

Mike Sexton discovered poker while attending Ohio State University, but it wasn’t until the late 1970s that he began taking the game seriously. After completing his military service and working briefly in sales, Sexton decided to pursue poker professionally, moving to Las Vegas in 1985. It was a leap of faith—and one that would ultimately define his life.

In the early years, Sexton focused on both tournaments and cash games, gaining a reputation as a solid, thoughtful player. He quickly built relationships in the growing poker scene and was admired for his calm demeanor, honesty, and deep understanding of the game. His breakthrough came in 1989, when he won a World Series of Poker bracelet in Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo.

But even early on, Sexton was more than just a player. He saw poker as a product that needed to be packaged and shared with the world. His blend of competitive skill and promotional vision made him a unique force—someone who didn’t just want to win at the game, but also wanted to grow it.

Greatest Achievements in Poker

Mike Sexton’s career was defined not just by his winnings, but by the scale of his influence. He earned over $6.7 million in live tournament cashes and won a World Series of Poker bracelet in 1989. But his most important contributions came off the felt.

In 2002, Sexton became the lead commentator for the newly launched World Poker Tour (WPT), alongside Vince Van Patten. His voice became synonymous with televised poker, and his enthusiasm, clarity, and respect for the game helped introduce millions of viewers to its strategic depth and drama. He was instrumental in turning poker into a global spectator sport.

As a founding member and later Chairman of PartyPoker, he also helped launch one of the world’s largest online poker platforms, expanding access to the game on a scale never seen before.

In 2009, Sexton was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame, a recognition of both his on-table achievements and his massive off-table legacy.

Later in his life, he achieved a long-held dream by winning a WPT title in 2016, proving once again that he wasn’t just a commentator—he was a competitor at the highest level.

Strategies in Poker and Playing Style

Mike Sexton was never the flashiest player at the table—but he was one of the most disciplined and fundamentally sound. His style emphasized patience, tight-aggressive decision-making, and a deep respect for position and opponent tendencies. He wasn’t known for wild bluffs or unpredictable moves; instead, he focused on steady, consistent play built around strong reads and years of experience.

Sexton often talked about “playing the player,” especially in tournaments, where he believed understanding opponent psychology was as critical as the cards. His background in Seven Card Stud and mixed games gave him a broader strategic base than many no-limit specialists, and he often emphasized bankroll management and game selection as key pillars of success.

What set him apart wasn’t just how he played—but how he thought about the game. In commentary, interviews, and writing, he often highlighted the long-term nature of success in poker. He believed in professionalism, discipline, and treating the game—and fellow players—with integrity.

His approach served as a model for countless aspiring players and helped elevate the perception of poker as a skill-based pursuit.

Poker Books

Mike Sexton was not only a voice of the game on TV but also a respected writer who shared his insights through thoughtful, engaging books. His most well-known work is “Life’s a Gamble,” published in 2016. The book is part memoir, part poker history, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of modern poker through Sexton’s personal journey.

In “Life’s a Gamble,” Sexton covers everything from his early days as a road gambler to the explosive growth of online poker and the rise of the World Poker Tour. He shares anecdotes about iconic players, landmark games, and the industry’s transformation over decades. The book is widely appreciated for its honesty, humility, and wealth of historical perspective.

In addition to his book, Sexton contributed numerous articles to poker publications, wrote blogs, and was a frequent voice in poker strategy forums. His writing style was always clear, educational, and accessible—true to his mission of bringing more people into the game and helping them play better.

Notable TV Shows Appearances

Mike Sexton was the face and voice of televised poker for nearly two decades. As the longtime commentator for the World Poker Tour (WPT), he appeared in hundreds of broadcasts, shaping how millions of people around the world learned and experienced the game. His chemistry with Vince Van Patten became iconic, blending insight, humor, and storytelling in a way that elevated the entire production.

Beyond the WPT, Sexton made appearances on several major poker programs, including:

• ESPN’s World Series of Poker broadcasts, especially in segments that honored poker pioneers
• Poker documentaries like All In: The Poker Movie, where he offered historical perspective
• Tribute shows and Hall of Fame specials, often featured as the voice of reason and tradition

He was also a frequent guest on poker news shows, livestreams, and special features that explored the game’s growth and personalities. Even outside the WPT, his presence brought credibility and warmth to any poker broadcast.

Most Iconic Hands and TV Moments

Mike Sexton’s legacy in poker is marked by numerous memorable moments that showcase his skill, charisma, and contributions to the game. Here are some of his most iconic hands and television appearances:

2006 WSOP Tournament of Champions Victory

In 2006, Mike Sexton triumphed in the World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions, an invitational event featuring top players. He secured the $1 million first prize by defeating Daniel Negreanu in a heads-up battle. Demonstrating his generosity, Sexton donated half of his winnings to charity.
📺 Watch the final table here:

WPT Montreal 2016 Victory

After years of commentating on the World Poker Tour, Sexton achieved a personal milestone by winning the WPT Montreal Main Event in 2016. He bested a field of 648 players to claim the title and a prize of over $300,000, solidifying his status as both a commentator and a champion.
📺 Relive the moment:

WPT Flashbacks Feature

The World Poker Tour honored Sexton’s contributions with a special “WPT Flashbacks” episode, highlighting his impact as the tour’s ambassador and commentator.
📺 Watch the tribute: