The men's tournament of water polo at the 2004 Summer Olympics at Athens, Greece, began on August 13 and lasted until August 29, 2004.Water polo at the 2004 Summer Olympics took place at the Olympic Aquatic Centre where women competed for only the second time in the event at the Summer Olympics.Twelve teams battled it out for the gold medal in the men's event, where Russia was trying to avenge their defeat by Hungary at the Sydney Olympics. There were eight teams in the women's event where holders Australia were hoping to retain the title.