27/07/2025
Every now and then something comes across my screen that hits me right in the heart. That happened today when I read a post from the late great Mike Sexton a beautiful reflection on his journey through poker and what it truly meant to him And I couldn’t help but stop and feel every word, because honestly it reminded me exactly why I fell in love with poker too.
For me poker was never just about the cards or the wins. Sure the adrenaline rush of a big hand and the thrill of a deep run are part of it but what’s always kept me coming back is the people, the community, the moments in between.
There’s something magical about how poker can bring strangers together. A table filled with players from all walks of life can somehow become a family for the night. Through a few hands and some friendly banter we share stories laughter even quiet nods of respect. That connection is what I hold closest to my heart.
Over the years poker has taught me so much about patience about grace in losing, about lifting others up, even when the chips are down, It’s not about being the loudest at the table or chasing the spotlight, it’s about showing up with consistency with kindness and with a love for the game and the people in it.
That’s what I’ve always tried to bring whether I’m at the tables in a chatroom or behind the scenes helping build something bigger than myself, I believe in this game’s power to create real connection and community. it’s what drives everything I do with Acehighradio and beyond.
Reading Mike’s words reminded me that we’re not alone in that feeling, That the moments that matter most in poker often have nothing to do with pots or prizes it’s the conversations the friendships the little moments of humanity between the hands.
So thank you Mike Sexton for reminding us all of what this game really means, and thank you to everyone who sits at the table with heart and respect!
This is why I’ll always love poker and why I’ll never stop showing up.
Cheers Samoachic a.k.a Samo.......
MIKE SEXTON
In the quiet days near the end, I often found myself smiling, not at trophies, but at the moments in between: a handshake after a tough loss, a kind word at the break, the quiet nods of respect between players who’ve seen it all.
“I didn’t fall in love with poker because of the money.
I loved it because it brought people together.”
In my 40s, I chased the game across the country, long nights, small wins, big dreams.
It wasn’t glamorous. But it was real.
Poker taught me patience. Humility. How to lose with grace, and win with quiet pride.
At 52, I picked up the microphone, and found a second calling.
The World Poker Tour let me tell the game’s story to the world.
I spoke not just about chips and cards, but about heart. About what it means to sit down with strangers and compete with respect.
In my 60s, I backed players who reminded me of myself, not loud, not flashy, but full of potential.
And at 70, I stood still enough to look back, and realize the most meaningful part of my journey wasn’t what I won.
It was who I lifted.
If there’s one thing I want to leave behind, it’s this:
Be the kind of player others are happy to sit beside.
Not for your game, but for your presence.
You don’t need the spotlight to shine.
You just need to show up with kindness. With consistency. With love for the game and the people in it.
That’s how I played.
And I wouldn’t change a thing.
With gratitude, 📷 Mike Sexton The Gentleman of Poker
Samoachic >>
And honestly I couldn’t agree more
You don’t need the spotlight to shine
You just need to show up with kindness with consistency with love for the game and the people in it!
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