E1 - Episode 1

Aired: 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.

E2 - Episode 2

Aired: 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.

E3 - Episode 3

Aired: 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.

E4 - Episode 4

Aired: 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.

E5 - Episode 5

Aired: April 07, 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.

E6 - Episode 6

Aired: 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.

E7 - Episode 7

Aired: April 21, 2025

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

E8 - Episode 8

Aired: 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?