The poker world has been shocked to hear that all-time great Mike Sexton has entered hospice care for terminal cancer. The legendary player gave permission to a friend to announce the news, leading to a massive wave of support from the poker community.
Mike Sexton – All-Time Great
This terrible news has sent waves all through poker. It wasn’t common knowledge that Sexton was suffering from a life threatening illness, and the community is horrified at his plight.
Since some guy annouced that my buddy @Mike_partypoker was ill I am amazed at the number of people from near and far who have asked me if he is ok
I can only say he is battling his illness with the strength,determination and marvellous humour we have become used to.Go Sexton!— Padraig Parkinson (@padraigpoker) September 1, 2020
He is known as one of the true nice guys in the game with impeccable integrity. A real all-time great.
His career spanned more than four decades and included more than $6.7 million in live tournament winnings. Impressive when you take inflation into account.
If we include cash game winnings, it’s easy to see how Sexton was so highly regarded. Not so active in recent years, he could still put together a decent performance when deciding to play.
I spoke to Mike Sexton tonight.He told me he read all well wishes from everyone & he was in remarkably good spirits. I keep remembering when me,Devilfish, Trumper & Mike missed a plane & Devil swearing at Mike who had stopped every 2 mins to talk to fans who recognised him 😂 pic.twitter.com/z6AbpaHodF
— Rob Yong (@rob_yong_) September 2, 2020
Interestingly, the first live tournament cash on his record was a third place in a $1,000 razz event at Amarillo Slim’s Superbowl Of Poker, Las Vegas, in 1981.
This is the series where fellow legend Stu Ungar played his first ever poker tournament after people stopped giving him action with gin rummy.
Ungar, a close friend of Sexton, famously entered the World Series of Poker Main Event 1981 as his second tournament and won it!
World Poker Tour and partypoker
Over the last couple of decades Sexton was known for his commentator role with the World Poker Tour. He was also a keen player in the events boasting four final tables, including one win, and 15 cashes.
Eventually, he decided to leave the commentary booth to return to partypoker as chairman. Sexton was instrumental in the company’s beginnings and famously sold his share early missing out on a huge pay off when they became the online market leaders.
I have 100 stories about @mike_partypoker, but this one is probably the most important to his legacy and what he did for online poker… pic.twitter.com/oUrldGeiW9
— Mike O'Malley (@rzitup) September 2, 2020
The other shareholders initially offered $10 million but Sexton thought he was being shrewd and held out for $15 million.
You could be forgiven for thinking this was great negotiation, but hindsight can be cruel.
In less than four years after launching, partypoker went public and floated the company at a value of an eye-watering $9 billion. Sexton would have been able to sell his share for $500 million.
Ouch!
The great man saw the funny side though, telling all to Joey Ingram on his podcast.
Messages of Support for Mike Sexton
The number of messages for Mike Sexton on social media is overwhelming. There can’t be a more-liked man in poker today.
Mike You are truly one of greatest people I have met on the circuit and no#1 ambasador You inspired me to love my job and each and every one of our players I also treasure your words of wisdom shared over a dance and chat at various player parties Keep strong ❤
— colette stewart (@LittleDog78) September 2, 2020
It is noticeable how the range of people wishing him well spans all age groups seen in the game. He could make anybody feel like a true friend.
High stakes pro Danielle Andersen said,
“What an honor it would be to leave this world having had half the impact you’ve had, Mike. Your infectious spirit and appreciation for life is an inspiration and your memory will always live on. Thank you.”
Jennifer Tilly, told a heart-warming story that highlighted how generous he could be.
“There is a beautiful story about Mike in @nolandalla’s book “One of a Kind” Stu Ungar was on the skids & couldn’t afford to buy his daughter school books or clothes. Mike sent a limo over with his credit card and told him take your kid out shopping, get her whatever she needs.”
We all wish Mike the best and hope that a miracle is possible to hear from the great man once again.
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