The men's C-1 1000 metres sprint canoeing event at the 2020 Summer Olympics took place on 6 and 7 August 2021 at the Sea Forest Waterway.

The reigning Olympic champion is Sebastian Brendel of Germany, who is on the German team after qualifying in C-2 and is eligible to be selected as a second canoeist in C-1.

[6] One of the two Tripartite Commission invitational spots in canoeing was extended to Joaquim Lobo of Mozambique.

[7] Asia's continental place was earned by China, Europe's by Ukraine, Africa's by Tunisia, and Oceania's by Samoa (after Australia declined the spot).

:[4] Nations that could enter (additional) boats due to qualifying in the C-2: Sprint canoeing uses a four-round format for events with at least 11 boats, with heats, quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals.