The event was won by Canada, the nation's first victory in the men's eight since 1992 and third overall (tying Great Britain for second-most, behind the United States' 12).

The British team took silver, with the Americans finishing with the bronze medal.

The 8 qualifiers were: The 2008 Summer Olympics M8+ rowing competition consisted of eight teams, split into two four-team heats.

All times are China Standard Time (UTC+8) The winners of the heats, Canada and Great Britain, took the gold and silver medals; the winner of the repechage, United States, took the bronze.

Canada's Olympic M8+ rowing championship followed their 2007 World M8+ Rowing Championship, making the Canadian crew the first world champion in 35 years to follow up with Olympic gold.