The men's canoe sprint C-1 200 metres competition at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro took place between 17 and 18 August at Lagoa Stadium.

[2] The competition comprised heats, semifinals, and a final round.

The leading five in each heat plus the fastest sixth place advanced to the semifinals.

The top two from each of the three semifinals plus the two best third-place times advanced to the "A" final, and competed for medals.

The top two from each of the semifinals plus the two best third-place times advanced to the "A" final.