Hall Of Famer Mike Sexton

Although the nominees for the 2009 poker Hall Of Fame class included luminaries such as Phil Ivey, Barry Greenstein and Daniel Negreanu there was only one man chosen by his peers, fans and the media to be inducted into the group this year – the ‘Ambassador of Poker’ Mike Sexton.

Sexton was finally recognised for a lifetime spent playing and promoting the game of poker, helping transform the once frowned-upon card game into a worldwide phenomenon. Though he has over $3.8m in tournament winnings many will know him best for his commentary on the World Poker Tour, a show that helped create the poker boom six years ago.

As expected, many of the game’s most famous names spoke out in support of Mike’s induction;

Jack Binion: ‘Mike Sexton made poker how it is today through PartyPoker.com and the World Poker Tour.’

Doyle Brunson: ‘Mike Sexton is the greatest ambassador poker has ever had.’

TJ Cloutier: ‘Mike Sexton was a shoo-in in my eyes and we’re delighted to welcome him into the Hall Of Fame.’

PokerPlayer magazine caught up with Mike Sexton soon after his induction for an exclusive interview where he reveals all about his life in poker and explains why none of today’s players will ever be able to touch the talent of the late Stu Ungar. That issue will be on sale in shops on Thursday 26th December.

The poker Hall Of Fame was created in 1979 as a way of honouring those players who had become legends in the game, whether through their play at the tables or promotion of poker away from the table. Other inductees include Stu Ungar, Doyle Brunson, Chip Reese and Phil Hellmuth.