Foregrounding strategy and smart-thinking

Press release by the BBC

BBC Factual announced an exciting brand new Factual Entertainment competition format, Chess Masters, for BBC Two and iPlayer. Across eight episodes, passionate and highly-skilled players from all backgrounds will battle it out across a series of rapid chess games before one will be crowned the title of Chess Master.

Chess is the fastest growing sport in the world, was the most watched game on Twitch in 2021, and the most downloaded app from the iPhone store in February 2023. With six million regular players in the UK, 605 million adults playing regularly across the world, and celebrity fans including Anthony Joshua, Madonna, Will Smith and Lily Cole, chess is becoming a global phenomenon.

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Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment and Live Events, says:

In a market of competitions that celebrate physical feats we’re really excited to back an idea that foregrounds strategy and smart-thinking. Curve has devised a format that makes chess both entertaining and accessible for all.

Camilla Lewis, Executive Producer, Curve Media, says: “Chess Masters has been a joy to develop with the BBC. We are delighted to be making this warm, inclusive and clever series, where the emotional as well as strategic stakes are high. There is untapped talent out there. Amateurs from 8 to 80 will get the opportunity to compete with the best and the audience will get unique insights into the psychological and practical gameplay of this age-old but highly accessible game played by all cultures and by people of all kinds.”

Malcolm Pein, Director of International Chess and External Relations at The English Chess Federation, says:

The world’s oldest game has evolved into a 24/7 365 activity as well as a big money e-sport that has appeal across the generations. The way chess almost uniquely crosses all boundaries of age, sex, language and culture convinced me that our national broadcaster is its natural home.

The chess community has waited over thirty years for the game to return to our screens and everyone is hugely excited at the prospect of creating an innovative format with the best broadcasting professionals to bring the 64 squares to life for the millions of new players and for those whose chess journey has not yet begun.

How to apply

Do you think you’ve got what it takes to be Chess Master?

We are looking for chess players of all ages and backgrounds to take part in the series. You don’t have to be a professional chess player, and anyone with a passion for chess can apply.

If you’re interested in being on the show, email the team here - casting@curvemedia.com

Chess Masters, an 8x30’ series for BBC Two and iPlayer, is made by Curve Media. It was commissioned by Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment and Live Events, and the Executive Producers are Camilla Lewis and Charlie Bunce. The Commissioning Editor is Jasmyn McGuile.

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