The men's eight competition at the 1952 Summer Olympics took place at Meilahti, Finland.

The Soviet Union took silver in its Olympics debut; Australia's bronze was its first medal in the men's eight.

Potential challengers included Australia (1950 British Empire champion) and Great Britain (1951 European Rowing Championships winners), but the Americans were heavily favored.

[2] Finland, Romania, and the Soviet Union each made their debut in the event.

Canada, Great Britain, and the United States each made their ninth appearance, tied for most among nations to that point.