Partypoker chairman Mike Sexton dies at 72
Popular industry figure and ambassador for the game described as a “true gentleman” and “simply the best”
Tributes have poured in from the world of poker for partypoker chairman Mike Sexton who passed away on Sunday after a battle with cancer.
His death was announced on Twitter by poker personality and good friend Linda Johnson who said Sexton, 72, had died peacefully at home surrounded by family members. He had been receiving at-home hospice care after his prostate cancer had spread to other organs.
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
Hollywood actor and amateur poker player James Woods described Sexton in a tweet as one of the “most gentle and warm-hearted people” he ever met, while businessman, politician and high-stakes player Antanas Guoga said he was “simply the best”.
Sexton, who was a member of the Poker Hall of Fame, will be best remembered for his role behind the mic as lead commentator on the World Poker Tour (WPT) for 15 seasons.
In May 2017, the American was appointed chairman of GVC-owned partypoker, with one aspect of his remit being to develop partypoker Live into becoming the world’s largest live poker tour.
He was also involved in the creation of partypoker in 2001. In 2016, he revealed that he sold his shares in the site in the early days for $15m but could have made $500m had he held onto his stake.
We mourn the heartbreaking loss of our chairman, founder & friend Mike Sexton. We have seen so many wonderful stories being shared. The world of poker will never be the same but his huge contribution will never be forgotten. Our condolences go to Mike's son, Ty and family ❤️ pic.twitter.com/4joTRljCqR
— PartyPoker (@partypoker) September 7, 2020
Sexton was also a proficient poker player, amassing $6.7m in tournament winnings stretching back to 1981, according to results tracking site The Hendon Mob.
He won a World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet in 1989, the WSOP Tournament of Champions in 2006 and landed a WPT title in 2016.
People deal with grief in different ways and admit I haven’t dealt with the illness and passing of Mike Sexton as well as I should have. There comes a time in everyone’s life when more people we love pass away but this one really hurts. I loved him like a brother. #ThankYouMike pic.twitter.com/3XaYw6QKa8
— Matt Savage (@SavagePoker) September 7, 2020
Moreover, Sexton will probably best be remembered by those who met him as a true gentleman both on and off the poker table.
The last time I played with @Mike_partypoker was on Poker After Dark earlier this year.
I always enjoyed playing with Mike. He’s a great raconteur & a true gentleman. Even when he takes your chips he’s so gracious about it you somehow don’t mind.
RIP Mike.❤️ You will be missed. pic.twitter.com/1cbws7FWX3— Jennifer Tilly (@JenniferTilly) September 7, 2020