WSOP Player Profile: Mike Sexton - The Man Who Finished 2nd in Event #25
Poker Hall of Famer Mike Sexton is one of the game's finest ambassadors. Player, commentator, promoter and author, Sexton's 30 year career has been marked by its diversity. He narrowly missed out on a second WSOP bracelet, finishing second in Event #25.
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| Mike Sexton |
By hosting the World Poker Tour (WPT), Sexton is widely credited with helping poker become mainstream. The WPT has been a permanent fixture on the poker calendar since it was founded in 2002, and is the most prestigious tournament series behind the WSOP.
With his trademark raspy voice, the charismatic Sexton is known for his exciting WPT commentary alongside Vince Van Patten. Sexton is known for his catchphrase "It [No Limit Hold'em] takes five minutes to learn, but a lifetime to master."
Sexton has been involved in numerous other poker ventures. He is the current ambassador for PartyPoker, and the author of "Shuffle Up and Deal: The Ultimate No Limit Texas Hold'em Guide." He was also a close companion of the late poker genius Stu Ungar, acting as a speaker at his funeral.
Sexton founded the now defunct World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions event, and acts as one of the many spokesman for the PPA (Poker Players Alliance) - a group trying to legalize and regulate online poker in the US. He created PokerGives.org, a site which enables players to give easily to charity.
Near Miss in Event #25, Sexton at the tables
Sexton came close to securing his second WSOP bracelet in the $1.5k Seven Card Stud Hi-Low-8 or Better, but was ousted by Chris Viox in heads-up play. Sexton went away with $123,925 for his efforts. A tough field included two former WSOP Players of the Year, Jeff Madsen and Frank Kassela.
Sexton is a very skilled poker player in his own right, although his appearances have been restricted over the past ten years because of his WPT duties.
Sexton's biggest cash is the $1,000,000 he won by claiming victory in the third annual WSOP Tournament of Champions. He donated half of this to charity. Sexton has racked up over $4 million in live tournament winnins, and amassed an impressive 49 cashes at the WSOP.
Sexton holds one WSOP bracelet to his name, in the 1989 $1.5k Seven Card Split event. He enjoyed a deep run at this year's $9.5k WPT Bay 101 Shooting Stars Event, coming in 6th place for $148,000.
Sexton's contribution to poker was recognised in 2009, when he became the 38th person to be inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame.
Sexton recently stated that the glamorous Kara Scott would be the ideal WSOP 2011 Main Event winner. He explained "I'd like to see someone win who would not only be a great ambassador for poker but who could/would create a positive impact on the growth of poker and the image of the poker world."
Mike Sexton Facts
• Born: September 22, 1947 (age 63 in Shelby, Indiana)
• Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
• Turned pro: 1985
• Biggest cash: $1,000,000 (WSOP Tournament of Champions)
• Total winnings: $4,205,581
• Highest finish in WSOP ME: 12th in 2000
• WSOP cashes: 49
• WPT cashes: 3
• WSOP bracelets: 1
• Host and commentator of the WPT
• PartyPoker spokesman and ambassador
• Founder of PokerGives.Org
• Member of the Poker Hall of Fame
• Has appeared on Poker After Dark and Poker SuperStars
Here's some evidence of Sexton's poker skills as he makes a sick call against Mike Matusow:
