2021 ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships – Men's K-1 500 metres

The men's K-1 500 metres competition at the 2021 ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships in Copenhagen took place on Lake Bagsværd.

Schedule
The schedule was as follows: All times are Central European Summer Time (UTC+2)

Heats
The six fastest boats in each heat, plus the three fastest remaining boats advanced to the semifinals.

Semifinals
Qualification in each semi was as follows:

The fastest three boats advanced to the A final. The next three fastest boats advanced to the B final.

Final B
Competitors in this final raced for positions 10 to 18.

Final A
Competitors in this final raced for positions 1 to 9, with medals going to the top three.