Season 1
March 10, 2025
Twelve rising stars of the UK’s booming chess community battle it out.
8 Episodes
Episodes
Episode 1
March 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
March 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
March 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
March 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
April 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
April 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
April 21, 2025
Six semi-finalists face child prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan in their toughest challenge yet.
Episode 8
April 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?
