The last format in use featured the World Championship, Division I and three regional qualification tournaments.

The United States was the tournament's most dominant team, winning the World Championship seven times.

During the first three years of the IIHF Inline Hockey World Championship, North American teams dominated the field.

Canada upset the two-time world champion and hosts, Team USA, for the gold medal.

In 2001, Finland won the gold medal for the second straight year, edging out the host again, this time, Team USA.

In 2003, it was Finland squeaking past Sweden in the final game, while Team USA returned to the podium, claiming the bronze medal.

[3] The IIHF had earlier cancelled the 2019 edition of the tournament due to a lack of applications for hosting the event.

[1] The last format of the IIHF Inline Hockey World Championships involved the Top Division and Division I playing on odd years and three regional qualification tournaments playing on even years.

Division I comprised eight teams, split into Groups C and D. The IIHF ran regional qualification tournaments in the year prior to the World Championship.