The tournament – built around fifteen teams – took place in eight Czechoslovak cities: Prague, Ostrava, Pilsen, Mlada Boleslav, Kolin, Kladno, Brno, and Bratislava. Twelve teams were divided into three groups from which would advance the two best teams. Another three teams, rounded out by the Czechoslovak junior team, made up a fourth grouping called “European Standard”. Probably the most famous player playing in the year 1959 in Czechoslovakia was Maurice “Rocket” Richard who played for the powerful Montreal Canadiens in the NHL.

The basis for the Czechoslovak team was made up from the winner of the national league. The league champions were HC Kladno, so most players were selected from this team. The HC Kladno coach, Vlastmil Sykora, became the head coach of the national team as well.

In the first round, played in Bratislava, the Czechoslovaks ended up in second place after wins against Switzerland (9-0) and Poland (13-1) and a loss to Canada (2-7).

In the final group the home team avenged the loss with the Canadians (3-5), beat Sweden (4-1) and Finland (8-2). However, they also picked up two losses – against the USA 2-4, and the Soviet Union 3-4 (although they had been leading 3-2).