The men's foil was one of three fencing

Fencing

Fencing, which is also known as modern fencing to distinguish it from historical fencing, is a family of combat sports using bladed weapons.Fencing is one of four sports which have been featured at every one of the modern Olympic Games...

 events on the Fencing at the 1896 Summer Olympics

Fencing at the 1896 Summer Olympics

At the 1896 Summer Olympics, three fencing events were contested at the Zappeion. They were prepared and organized by the Sub-Committee for Fencing. The épée event for men was cancelled. All fencing was done to three touches. Events were held on 7 April and 9 April 1896...

programme. It was held on the second day of competition, 7 April. Eight fencers took part, with the preliminary fencing involving a round-robin held in two groups. The first group was Pierrakos-Mavromichalis, Delaborde, Callot, and Poulos. The second was Komninos-Miliotis, Balakakis, Gravelotte, and Vouros. The two fencers that were undefeated in their groups faced each other in the final for gold and silver medals, while Pierrakos-Mavromichalis was awarded third place as he had the best record (2-1) of the remaining fencers in actual bouts. Vouros's second win came from a forfeit by Komninos-Miliotis.

Group A

Place	Athlete	TF	TA	W	L
1		9	4	3	0
2		7	4	2	1
3		5	7	1	2
4		3	9	0	3

Match	Winner	Touches	Loser
A1		3-1
A2		3-2
A3		3-0
A4		3-1
A5		3-1
A6		3-1

Group B

Place	Athlete	TF	TA	W	L
1		9	5	3	0
2		8	4	2	1
3		5	7	1	2
4		3	9	0	3

Match	Winner	Touches	Loser
B1		3-1
B2		3-2
B3		3-1
B4		3-2
B5		3-1
B6		3-0 (w/o)

Final

In the final, the two undefeated Frenchmen faced each other. Gravelotte won in a close bout.

Match	Winner	Touches	Loser
F		3-2