Poker Legend Mike Sexton Dies at 72 — Friends Honor the Iconic World Poker Tour Commentator

Legendary Poker player and commentator Mike Sexton passed away at the age of 72 and is mourned by friends, poker players, and fans alike.

The world of Poker will no longer be the same as it mourns the loss of a vital figure in its history, Mike Sexton. On September 6, Adam Pliska, the World Poker Tour CEO, revealed that the legendary poker Hall of Famer had passed away that day. He announced:

"It is with great sorrow that I announce the passing of my friend and the greatest ambassador in poker, Mike Sexton."

Pliska's statement continued, praising the late Sexton for the incredible work that he put into the job. The CEO said that his late friend had a certain glow about him that flowed through the players and fans of poker all over the world.

They would all miss Sexton dearly, and his legacy would forever be a part of poker history. Pliska and the rest of the World Poker Tour sympathized with the late commentator's family, extending their condolences and warm wishes.

As the news was released, many poker players and fans alike took to social media to openly mourn the passing of the great legend in an influx of tributes.

The proud then-first-time dad said being a father had changed everything for him, and he was loving every moment of it.

Following his statement with World Poker Tour, Pliska went ahead to Twitter to share a photo of him with Sexton, celebrating an award. Once again, he thanked his late friend for everything that he did for the world of poker.

Poker player Jaime Staples took to his Twitter page with deep regret and a message in honor of his good friend. He tweeted:

"Someone, please make a movie of Mike Sexton's life...all the things he did is incredible..."

Staples added that he was only trying to channel what the late Sexton's lifelong career must have been like for him.

Poker player Linda Johnson, fondly referred to as the First Lady of Poker, shared a tribute on Twitter as well. She wrote that Sexton was one of the game's greatest ambassadors who only wanted to deliver positive messages.

Mike O'Malley responded to Johnson's tweet, narrating one special memory he shared with Sexton. He shared a lengthy story, revealing how Sexton pioneered the financial and global boom of poker back in the day.

Jennifer Tilly also wrote a tribute to Sexton, recalling how gentlemanly and gracious he always was even when they were at odds in a game. Sexton passed away after reportedly battling with prostate cancer as it spread to other organs.

The poker legend was said to have started getting treatment at home a month before he eventually died. Sexton served as a commentator for the World Poker Tour in the first 2002 season, which took off at the Las Vegas WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic event.

The late player did his absolute best to raise the profile of the game for several years and across the globe, becoming a hall of fame inductee in 2009 for his numerous accomplishments and dedication.

Sexton had only just welcomed his son, Ty Michael Sexton, in 2008. The proud then-first-time dad said being a father had changed everything for him, and he was loving every moment of it.

Sadly, Sexton passed away, leaving behind his wife, his son, and a remarkable legacy. He will be missed.