I’ve just learned Michael “Little Man” Sica has passed away.
Sica may have been known as “Little Man” a nickname given for his smallish stature. But he was a giant of joy and one of the funniest and most decent people I’ve ever met in poker.
He lived in northern New Jersey and was a popular player in East Coast poker rooms and at major poker events over the past twenty years. I’ve seen him many times at WSOP Circuit events in Atlantic City. He also played at the WSOP in Las Vegas every year.
SEE MIKE SICA’S WSOP RECORD HERE
I’ve enjoyed many meals and many laughs with Sica over the years. During all those times, I don’t remember him ever saying a bad word about anyone. He was full of smiles and good cheer, no matter what happened at the poker table. I hope he’s remembered for his positive attitude, because we need more of that, and more people like him.
In 2004, Sica won a WSOP gold bracelet, his first major poker victory. I remember that event well because at the time it made poker history.
Below is part of the official report of Sica’s victory that I penned nine years ago:
Michael “Little Man” Sica Wins Half Million Dollars at World Series of Poker
Mike Sica did something truly extraordinary. He won the largest prize pool ever for the non-main event. In the 35-year history of the World Series of Poker, no event beyond the $10,000 buy-in world championship has ever awarded so much in prize money. A staggering figure – nearly $1.8 million – was split between the top 63 finishers. Standing alone at the top of the money list was Sica – who was thrilled to win his first gold bracelet.
The tournament was more of a marathon run than a poker game. It ran so long on day two (including most of the final table) that play was finally suspended as the sun was about to come upon the third day. No non-main event had ever run into the third day, but the number of entries and ferocious competitiveness of the finalists meant that play was resumed on day three. The race concluded with Sica crossing the finish line first.
This was the first tidal wave in a series of events during the final week that is expected to push the total WSOP prize pool for 2004 to over $40 million. Poker is now bigger than ever, and anyone who doubts the game has now reached astronomical popularity is invited to watch and see what happens in a few days – when the main event of the World Series is set to begin. If last year was the “sonic boom” for poker – with 839 entries – this year’s championship may very well be a volcanic explosion that will ignite a firestorm of popularity far beyond what anyone could have ever imagined.
My deepest condolences go to Michael Sica’s family. He will be remembered as fondly as he will be missed.