Robot Wars - First Wars tournament tree

The first challenge was called 'The Gauntlet' -- a maze with two paths of differing obstacles from which to choose. The robots pushed as far down the 15-metre course as possible in the time allowed. The 'bot covering the least ground was eliminated.

The remaining five robots went on to the next challenge: 'The Trial'. This event varied from week to week. The lowest scoring 'bot was eliminated. The First Wars featured:

• Sumo: how long can the competitor stay on a raised plarform with the House Robot 'Shunt'? Shortest time is out.

• British Bulldog: competitors try to dash all at once from one end of the arena to the other while the four House Robots try to stop them.

• Football: shove the studded metal ball past 'Dead Metal' and into the goal. Last robot to score is out.

• Stock Car: three lap race around a figure 8 track. Last place is out.

• Labyrinth: pick a path thru the twisty little maze and past the House Robots. Least distance covered is out.

• Snooker: push as many of the silver balls into your own goal as you can. Fewest balls is out.

For the final challenge of the heat, the four remaining robots paired off and fought in 'The Arena' - the familiar combat event that dominated the later wars. The two remaining robots then fought each other for the heat championship.

In the First Wars, the six heat champions met in a single melee fight to determine the overall winner.

Winners: