Mike Sexton: World Poker Tour Commentator<br>By Linda Johnson

Editor's note: This is the third of a series of three exclusive interviews that Linda Johnson has done with World Poker Tour personalities.

Mike Sexton is one of the commentators for the World Poker Tour. A former European poker champion, he is one of the premier ambassadors of poker. He conceived and created the Tournament of Champions of Poker, which set a new standard for poker tournaments. And, of course, he still actively plays poker.

Linda Johnson: Mike, you seem to be very much at home in the commentating booth. Have you had any previous broadcasting experience?

Mike Sexton: Steve Lipscomb filmed the Tournament of Champions one year, and I did the commentary for his program and the live Internet broadcast. That was my first broadcasting experience. Steve thought I did a good job, and also knew about my poker background, and invited me to be a commentator on the WPT.

LJ: Do writers furnish you with lines during the broadcast?

MS: No. They just turn Vince and me loose and tell us to keep talking. There is a lot of commentating that cannot make it to the final show, due to program timing and other considerations. The WPT edits the commentary to make the TV program educational and entertaining for players of all levels.

LJ: Speaking of Vince, how do you view your partnership as co-commentators?

MS: I thoroughly enjoy working with Vince, and think that we make a good team. I have been immersed in the poker culture for a long time, and Vince relates more to the average-guy mentality when it comes to poker. Between the two of us, we strive to commentate in a manner that helps new poker players learn how to get into the game and that is also interesting for seasoned professionals.

LJ: Word is that the ratings for the WPT are very good. Can you speak to the WPT ratings?

MS: Well, the Travel Channel is thrilled with the ratings. In the first airing of the first season of the World Poker Tour, they estimated that approximately three million viewers a week watched the WPT. This made the WPT the highest-rated program on the Travel Channel at the time, and the second-highest-rated show on the Travel Channel ever. Now, the show is in reruns, and the average ratings are 25 percent higher than they were for the initial airing. Word of the show is spreading and more people are tuning in than ever before. The Travel Channel will broadcast the second season of the WPT beginning March 2004, and it has options to continue airing the WPT for the next six years. The ratings have been good for everyone.

LJ: I understand the WPT asked you not to play in the WPT events, as they wanted consistency in the commentating booth for every program. Does it bother you not to be able to play in any WPT events?

MS: Well, I am a poker player, and I would love to be at those final tables. But, honestly, I have thoroughly enjoyed commentating for the WPT. I believe that in my role as a commentator for the WPT, I have an opportunity to give back to the poker community. Poker rooms have had a lot of new energy since the show aired. I also feel good about helping people who are novice players learn more about the strategy and intricacies of the game. I think everyone enjoys that feeling – of helping someone else learn to enjoy a sport or game as much as they do.

LJ: Have many players complained about having to show their downcards to the cameras at the final table?

MS: Players recognize that the WPT is successful because the viewer can see their downcards. The downcards and the commentary on the players' strategies are what make the WPT the dynamic show that it is. People watching the WPT on TV love to see who is bluffing, who is folding what hand, and who has the nuts. That is how they can appreciate how truly great some of these players are.

LJ: Mike, you are really a poker visionary. What do you see happening in the world of poker in the future?

MS: Well, the casino tournaments have been growing bigger ever since the WPT began airing. More people are showing up to play the second season's events than they did in the first season. Also, since the show aired, more people have been coming to watch the events and be part of the live audience for the TV taping. The final tables are fun to watch, and the casinos liven up the events with elaborate money presentations and freebies for the audience. I think the WPT final tables may take on a life of their own.

I also think that poker players have an opportunity to become stars through the WPT. Already, poker players who have been on the WPT are recognized by people when they show up for an event, or even when they are just waiting for an elevator. This opens the door for poker players to do things they may never have done in the past – be in commercials, talk on the radio, and attract other types of media attention. Because of the WPT, they are finally being recognized for what they have been doing all along – playing excellent poker.

Finally, I think the WPT has opened the door for poker to reach out to a much wider audience. People are combining poker with cruises, luxury resort experiences, and vacations. I heard a funny story recently that a man was playing poker online and his wife asked him to stop. He said, "But, honey, I'm trying to win us a trip!" Needless to say, she wanted him to continue playing. I think poker is on its way to becoming a first-class experience for everyone – not just those who are enjoying the mental challenge of playing poker, but also those who like watching the game or simply enjoying the overall experience.

LJ: Mike, it is a pleasure to work with you on the Tour, and to hear your insights about the WPT and growth in the poker world. Good luck in the second season.