Sue Perkins hosts this high-stakes chess contest, following 12 rising stars of the UK’s booming chess community as they battle it out to be crowned champion.
Episode 1
Mar 10, 2025
In the first of two heats, six talented players from across the UK arrive at Cardiff’s former coal exchange. They face a brain-boggling puzzle and a high-stakes speed chess battle.
Episode 2
Mar 17, 2025
The five remaining players from the first heat return to the Great Hall to battle it out for a place in the quarter-finals.
Episode 3
Mar 24, 2025
The four remaining players from the first heat return to the Great Hall to battle it out for a coveted place in the semi-finals. They are faced with a giant projection screen, and realise an innovative challenge awaits - a memory test set by world number one chess player Magnus Carlsen.
Episode 4
Mar 31, 2025
In the second heat, six new players face a gruelling game of speed chess and a puzzle called 'the raging rook', which allows the players to showcase their mastery of one of the most powerful pieces.
Episode 5
Apr 7, 2025
The five remaining players from the second heat return to the Great Hall to battle it out for a place in the quarter-finals.
Episode 6
Apr 14, 2025
The four remaining players from the second heat face a memory puzzle set by chess superstar and world number one Magnus Carlsen.
Episode 7
Apr 21, 2025
Six semi-finalists face child prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan in their toughest challenge yet.
Episode 8
Apr 28, 2025
The four finalists return for the last time to the Great Hall, ready to be put through their chess-playing paces like never before. Who will lift the winner’s trophy?
