Series 1

Twelve rising stars of the UK’s booming chess community battle it out.

1. 

   1. Episode 1

   2025-03-10 · 29m

   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.

2. 

   2. Episode 2

   2025-03-17 · 29m

   The five remaining players from the first heat return to the Great Hall to battle it out for a place in the quarter-finals.

3. 

   3. Episode 3

   2025-03-24 · 29m

   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.

4. 

   4. Episode 4

   2025-03-31 · 29m

   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.

5. 

   5. Episode 5

   2025-04-07 · 29m

   The five remaining players from the second heat return to the Great Hall to battle it out for a place in the quarter-finals.

6. 

   6. Episode 6

   2025-04-14 · 29m

   The four remaining players from the second heat face a memory puzzle set by chess superstar and world number one Magnus Carlsen.

7. 

   7. Episode 7

   2025-04-21 · 29m

   Six semi-finalists face child prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan in their toughest challenge yet.

8. 

   8. Episode 8

   2025-04-28 · 29m

   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?