[3] This Greco-Roman wrestling competition continued to use the "bad points" elimination system introduced at the 1928 Summer Olympics, with a slight modification.

[4] The lead group of five was cut to two, with Lőrincz and Svensson both winning their second decision by fall to stay at 0 points.

[4] Svensson finished the round in sole possession of the lead, winning a third bout by fall to stay at 0 points.

Tojar also finished the round with 1 point, winning by fall to stay at that score.

[4] Bertoli's withdrawal resulted in Svensson having a bye, easily keeping his 0 point record intact.

Of the four men who started at 4 points, Brendel and Perttunen avoided elimination by winning by falls.

Brendel's win over Perttunen back in the second round was the tie-breaker that gave the German the bronze medal.