8 episodes

Chess Masters: The Endgame - Series 1

First aired Mar 10, 2025Season 1

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

Episodes

Episode 1 still

Episode 1

Episode 1

NR
Mar 10, 202529 min

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 still

Episode 2

Episode 2

NR
Mar 17, 202529 min

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 still

Episode 3

Episode 3

NR
Mar 24, 202529 min

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 still

Episode 4

Episode 4

NR
Mar 31, 202529 min

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 still

Episode 5

Episode 5

NR
Apr 7, 202529 min

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 still

Episode 6

Episode 6

NR
Apr 14, 202529 min

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

Episode 7 still

Episode 7

Episode 7

NR
Apr 21, 202529 min

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

Episode 8 still

Episode 8

Episode 8

NR
Apr 28, 202529 min

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?