[1][2][3][4][5][6] Ole Olsen won his second World title in front of 81,000 at Wembley Stadium in London with a 15-point maximum from his five rides.
Defending champion Anders Michanek finished second and England's John Louis won the run-off for the bronze medal, defeating four time world champion Ivan Mauger.
Some criticism was aimed at the track surface which was described as dusty and dry.
This time the British riders (not including Commonwealth riders for the first time) were allowed four places in the World Final to be held in England.
The European Final qualification route included a new Intercontinental Final which feature riders from the United States for the first time for many years.