Series 1 Plot
Twelve rising stars of the UK’s booming chess community battle it out.
Chess Masters: The Endgame Series 1 aired on March 10th, 2025.
Series 1 Episodes
1. Episode 1
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. Episode 2
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. Episode 3
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. Episode 4
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. Episode 5
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. Episode 6
The four remaining players from the second heat face a memory puzzle set by chess superstar and world number one Magnus Carlsen.
7. Episode 7
Six semi-finalists face child prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan in their toughest challenge yet.
8. Episode 8
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?
