Chess Masters: The Endgame

2025 - 2025

Episode 1

10th March 2025

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.

Episode 2

17th March 2025

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.

Episode 3

24th March 2025

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.

Episode 4

31st March 2025

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.

Episode 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.

Episode 6

14th April 2025

Episode 6

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

Episode 7

21st April 2025

Episode 7

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

Episode 8

28th April 2025

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?

Top Cast

Sue Perkins•David Howell•Anthony Mathurin

Sue Perkins hosts this high-stakes chess contest, following 12 rising stars of the UK’s booming chess community as they battle it out to be crowned champion.

Watch Providers 🇬🇧

BBC iPlayer

Production Companies

+1 more

Full Cast

Sue Perkins Image

Sue Perkins

Self - Presenter

David Howell

Self - Commentator

Anthony Mathurin

Self - Commentator

Full Crew

Katy Fryer

Producer

Charlie Bunce

Executive Producer

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