News of Mike Sexton’s health issues made the rounds on social media as fellow poker icons showed concern for the legendary “ambassador of poker”. The 72-year old reportedly began in-home hospice care about a month ago in his fight against prostate cancer which had recently spread to his other organs.
Sexton is widely famous for his work throughout the years which has undoubtedly shaped the growth of the poker industry. A former commentator of the World Poker Tour, Sexton spent 15 seasons alongside co-host Vince Van Patten and worked closely with the partypoker team in developing the platform on and off within the past two decades. Joining the Poker Hall of Fame in 2009, Sexton was considered one of the greatest poker pros of all time and scored both a World Series of Poker and a WPT title over the years. The poker legend, not only was famous for his contributions to the industry, but also knew his way around the felt. With results dating as far back as 1981, Sexton sits on over $6.7 million in total live tournament earnings along with countless notable scores under his name.
While the poker great initially wanted to keep things private, he eventually agreed to disclosing his condition, authorizing “First Lady of Poker” Linda Johnson to confirm the rumors.
Mike Sexton is poker’s greatest ambassadors. He authorized this tweet. He has only wanted to deliver positive messages so he kept his health problems private. Mike has been battling prostate cancer that has recently spread to other organs. He began in-home hospice a month ago.
— Linda Johnson (@FirstLadyPoker) September 1, 2020
Since then, close friends of Sexton similarly shared information regarding his current situation with many from the poker community showing concern and hope for the icon’s ideal recovery.
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
Mike “The Mouth” Matusow“ chimed in to announce an excerpt on his channel saying,
Ep 48 of :TheMouthpiecePodcast will be this thursday at 4pm pacific dedicated to Mike Sexton! we will have all poker players whos heart Mike has touched zoom into podcast to give him message from all of us! he will be watching even though hes gravely ill! #pray4Mike
— Mike Matusow (@themouthmatusow) September 2, 2020
Fifteen-time bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth likewise added:
“Just hearing tonight that @Mike_partypoker is in Hospice Care in Las Vegas. Mike was a class act that entire trip to Rio. And that night w Rob and Ben was special!! Poker would NOT be as big as it is right now, if not for Mike Sexton…”
“Very sad news. Praying for a miracle. Truth is, poker as it looks right now wouldn’t be the same without Mike’s influence. He has always been a visionary and the entire poker community is rooting for him to find a “one time.”, tweeted Poker icon Daniel Negreanu.
Very sad news.
Praying for a miracle.
Truth is, poker as it looks right now wouldn’t be the same without Mike’s influence.
He has always been a visionary and the entire poker community is rooting for him to find a “one time.” https://t.co/93TrJv9bQv
— Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker) September 2, 2020
“Mike has been a huge influence in my career and life and I learned how to do my job by working with him, being friends with him and watching him. This is such hard news. I hope he knows how much we all care..”, poker commentator Kara Scott commented.
Receiving hundreds of comments from poker players and enthusiasts around the world, Poker Hall of Famer Linda Johnson sent everyone Sexton’s regards for their utmost support, saying:
“Jan Fisher and I read your tweets to Mike Sexton today and he asked me to thank you all so much for your love and support. He is too tired to personally answer emails, texts, and tweets but he wants you to know he is touched by them. Mike has requested privacy at this rough time.”
