It was the eighth K-1 Grand Prix final, involving eight of the world's top fighters, with all bouts fought under K-1 Rules (100 kg/156-220 lbs).

The eight finalists were a mixture of invitees, some of whom had been at the previous year's final, or had qualified via preliminary tournaments (for more detail on this see bulleted list below).

As well as tournament bouts there were also two 'Super Fights', one involving Japanese middleweight star Takayuki Kohiruimaki against Wilreid Montargne, fought under K-1 MAX Rules (70 kg/152 lbs), the other involving UFC legend Frank Shamrock against Elvis Sinosic in a kickboxing match fought under K-1 Rules.

The tournament champion was Ernesto Hoost who defeated Ray Sefo in the final by third round unanimous decision.

This would be Ernesto Hoost's third K-1 World Grand Prix victory, adding to the one he had won the previous year and another in '97.