The eight finalists had all almost qualified via elimination fights at the K-1 Grand Prix '96 Opening Battle event.

The only absentee was Stan Longinidis who was unable to participate in the tournament due to injury - he was replaced by reservist Duane Van Der Merwe.

The tournament winner was Andy Hug who defeated Mike Bernardo in the final by way of second round knockout.

This would be the popular Hug's first and sole K-1 World Grand Prix title, although he would be the runner up in two more finals.

Mike Bernardo would be taking place in his first and only K-1 final, causing a considerable upset by defeating defending champion Peter Aerts by knockout in the quarter-finals.