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Legendary WPT commentator wins title

Written by Ben Blaschke

No matter what the game or sport, it’s rare that a commentator can claim to have experienced the same glory as the players he is commentating on. But not so Mike Sexton after the legendary World Poker Tour (WPT) announcer won his first WPT title in Montreal.

Sexton topped a field of 648 players to claim the WPT Montreal Main Event, taking home US$317,896 in the process – a defining achievement after 15 WPT seasons spent watching others do the same.

“What an absolutely incredible experience it is to become a WPT champion,” Sexton said. “A World Poker Tour title has eluded me until now, but luckily this old guy had a bit left in the tank to make another run at one and it feels great to have closed the deal.”

Sexton has long been a renowned cash game player as well as boasting a WSOP bracelet, but since taking on the role of WPT commentator in 2002 – a role he combines with the opportunity to play when time allows – that WPT title has remained elusive.

“I’ve come close two times before, reaching the final table at Bay 101 in 2011 and in Venice in 2013, so to get another shot and have it work out in my favor feels unimaginable,” he said.

“I’m honored to join the WPT Champions Club alongside all of the great WPT champions we’ve crowned, and I am thrilled to get the opportunity to compete in the WPT Tournament of Champions at the end of the season.”