Mike Sexton

Mike Sexton

Poker player and commentator
Date of Birth: 22.09.1947
Country: USA

Content:
  1. Biography of Mike Sexton
  2. Early Life and Education
  3. Poker Career
  4. Commentator and Poker Ambassador

Biography of Mike Sexton

Mike Sexton, a professional poker player and commentator, is widely regarded as a poker legend. He is the proud owner of one WSOP bracelet and is also known for popularizing the game of poker. Sexton is the most renowned commentator of poker tournaments, often referred to as the "Ambassador of Poker."

Mike Sexton

Early Life and Education

Michael Richard 'Mike' Sexton was born in 1947 in Shelby, Indiana. Sexton's passion for poker began when he was still a schoolboy. He took up a job as a newspaper delivery boy, but his earnings were often short-lived as he would lose them playing poker. After receiving a scholarship, Sexton pursued his studies at The Ohio State University, specializing in tourism, recreation, and sports. Following his education, Sexton served in the airborne division of the army, just as the Vietnam War was coming to an end. Fortunately, Sexton was not deployed to the war zone.

Mike Sexton

Poker Career

After trying various professions in the late 1970s, Sexton realized that he could earn more money playing poker, which he had been doing as a hobby in the evenings. He decided to quit his job and pursue poker professionally. Around the same time, his marriage ended, with some believing that poker played a role in the separation. Later, Sexton even left another prestigious job as a baseball coach in the minor leagues to focus on poker. He relocated to Nevada to be closer to his ultimate passion, poker.

Mike Sexton

In 1985, Sexton celebrated his first significant victory, winning a WSOP gold bracelet. Despite his success, Sexton saw poker as a romantic game with tremendous potential, dreaming of national television broadcasts similar to those of sporting events. Many people laughed at his aspirations as poker was mainly associated with casinos and was not considered a national pastime. However, Sexton transformed his dreams into actions. He started writing a column for "Card Player" magazine and, in the late 1990s, became enthusiastic about the idea of creating the Tournament of Champions at the WSOP. This tournament was reserved for the best of the best, only open to players who had won WSOP bracelets. Sexton personally traveled across the country, persuading people to organize the tournament.

Commentator and Poker Ambassador

Since 2003, Mike Sexton has been the regular commentator for the World Poker Tour, and he has also worked for other major tournaments. Interestingly, many of Sexton's youthful dreams have come true, as poker has gained significant popularity. Today, Sexton is often referred to as the "Poker Ambassador" and the "Voice of Poker." He has been inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame. However, due to his commitments as a commentator, Sexton has less time to participate in the tournaments he loves. As of 2009, his live tournament winnings amounted to $3,826,549.

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