World champions in athletics (men)

Men have contested events at the IAAF World Championships in Athletics since its inauguration in 1983. The top three athletes in each event win gold, silver and bronze medals, respectively. A one-off 1976 World Championships in Athletics was held for the men's 50 kilometres race walk only, as the International Olympic Committee excluded that event for the Olympic athletics programme that year.

Note * Indicates athletes who ran only in the preliminary round and also received medals.