As is traditional, the event gathered over a hundred of leading athletes from nine countries. It has been held in Minsk since 1994, honouring Oleg Karavaev, but was awarded official status of an international competition only last year. This year, it has shifted from an individual to a team event and, as a result, the host country faced Russia in the finals — losing 1:6. Belarusian 2011 World Championship silver medallist Elbek Tozhiev (under 55kg) was the only one to claim a win during the final seven battles. Battling for bronze, Georgia defeated Kazakhstan 4:3.
At the preliminary stage, Belarus-1 team topped Group A, defeating the USA — 5:2, Poland — 7:0, Kazakhstan — 5:2, and Lithuania — 6:1. The preliminary Group B winner was Russia, with Belarus-2 team placed third.
The total prize fund — as last year — totalled $60,000. Russia, as the winner, received half the sum while Belarus-1 team claimed $20,000 for its second place; the remainder went to Georgia.
