Chess Masters: The Endgame - Series 1 (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.

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

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.

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.

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