The men's 400 metres at the 2015 World Championships in Athletics was held at the Beijing National Stadium on 23, 24 and 26 August.

In the final, both were out ahead, along with Wayde van Niekerk and Isaac Makwala, Africans with none of those credentials.

Through the final turn, van Niekerk took sole possession of the lead, Makwala passed James to hit the home stretch with a slight advantage in second.

Down the home stretch, Makwala was unable to hold his position and was passed by a burst from James.

[4] van Niekerk's 43.48 improved upon his own African Record, putting him at number 4 on the all-time list.