Mike Sexton "The Ambassador of Poker"

Michael Sexton was born on September 22, 1947 in Shelby, Indiana and he is often known as the "Ambassador of Poker". Mike Sexton is best known for his promotion of various poker events and he is the main host commentator for the televised World Poker Tour.

Early on, Mike attended Ohio State University on a gymnastics scholarship where he earned a degree in public recreation after changing majors from business. In 1970 Sexton joined the U.S. Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. He didn't see any action as the division had just got back from Vietnam. Mike taught ballroom dancing while in the Army. He became a salesman after being convinced by a client to do so. After a couple years as a saleman, he realized that he could make more money playing poker.

In 1985 Mike Sexton moved to Nevada to pursue poker full time. He was good friends with poker player Stu Ungar and when Ungar passed away Mike was a pallbearer and speaker at his funeral.

Sexton got his gold bracelet from the 1989 World Series of Poker Eight-or-Better Stud event, which just happened to be the game he was playing everyday for a living at the time. "I sincerely felt I played perfect poker that day," he has said, "which made my victory that much more satisfying. To this day, it was the best tournament I have ever played."

Mike went on to win five major No-Limit Hold'em championship events. He is also in the top 10 for all time number of finishes in the money at the WSOP, with 37 cashes. On June 27 2006, Sexton won the third annual World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions event and the $1,000,000 first prize. Mike also finished 10th in a preliminary event at the 2005 World Series of Poker and also in the final 16 of Poker Superstars II.

Mike has written for Card Player Magazine and the Gambling Times and he founded the now defunct Tournament of Champions of Poker, which only let tournament winners from the previous year compete. Sexton was recognized as the top poker ambassador at the Card Player Magazine Player of the Year Awards Gala on February 15, 2006.

Fun Facts:

• Author of the poker book Shuffle Up and Deal
• Former ballroom dance teacher
• TV commentator for the World Poker Tour
• Host and consultant for PartyPoker.com