It was hosted in Saint Petersburg, Russia between 19 and 29 January 2012.

Saint Petersburg hosted the event for the third time, with all matches being held in a single venue (Saint Petersburg Sports and Concert Complex).

The top two of each group qualified automatically for a play-off along with the two best third placed teams.

The winners of the quarter-finals advanced further into semi-finals, while the other four less fortunate entered play-off for the fifth place.

Next the winners of the semi-finals advanced to the final, while the other two participants played for the third place.