This was a qualifying event for the forthcoming K-1 World MAX 2004 World Tournament Final, featuring seven elimination matches involving some of the best middleweight kickboxers in the world, with all matches fought under K-1 rules (70 kg/154 lb weight class). The elimination fighters had either been involved in the previous years final, had qualified via regional tournaments or were invited due to their achievements in kickboxing or Muay Thai - more detail on the fighters is provided by the bulleted list below. As well as elimination matches there were also a couple of opening fights fought under K-1 rules (various weight classes) and a K-1 Hero's super fight fought under MMA rules. In total there were twenty fighters at the event, representing fourteen countries.