Pretoria, South Africa – 19 June 2025
Defender has unveiled a bold new chapter in its storied history of exploration and endurance with the launch of the Defender Trophy – a global adventure competition designed to test spirit, strength and strategy, while leaving a lasting positive legacy on the world. Inspired by the brand’s legendary Trophy and Challenge events, this new initiative is set to unite adventurers from over 50 countries in a once-in-a-lifetime competition culminating in Africa in 2026.
But this is no ordinary off-road event. It’s a purpose-driven expedition where winners will not only conquer the elements but contribute to a meaningful conservation mission in partnership with Defender’s long-standing ally, Tusk. It’s an invitation for those who embrace the impossible, who live to explore – and who are ready to make a difference.
Epic Adventure, Greater Purpose
The Defender Trophy will unfold across three thrilling phases: local selection events, national finals, and an extraordinary global final hosted on African soil. Here, finalists will face a series of immersive challenges – testing their driving prowess, ingenuity, and physical stamina – all under the watchful gaze of a worldwide online audience.
And at the heart of it all? Legacy. Winners won’t just lift a trophy; they’ll help forge one – by joining a hands-on conservation mission alongside Tusk, safeguarding endangered wildlife and ecosystems in one of the world’s most iconic wilderness regions.
“Global adventure and community have always been in Defender’s DNA,” says Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender. “With the Defender Trophy, we’re creating something truly unique – a test of endurance, intelligence and teamwork that brings together people from across the world in the spirit of adventure and purpose. It’s about building a new generation of heroes, united by challenge and committed to positive change.”
Enter If You Dare
Defender is calling on applicants who embody the brand’s bold, adventurous ethos. To enter, participants must be 23 or older, fluent in English, and meet basic physical and legal requirements, including swimming and international travel capability. Most importantly, they must possess an unstoppable spirit.
Applications are open now, and will close on 31 July 2025. The road to glory begins with local selection events, intensifying through national finals early next year. Finalists will head to Africa in 2026 to compete in pairs across multiple stages, facing:
- Driving Challenges – Conquer treacherous terrain and navigate the unknown
- Ingenuity Challenges – Solve complex problems under pressure
- Physical Challenges – Tackle extreme obstacles that demand fitness and teamwork
Pairings will evolve throughout the competition, with competitors selecting new teammates ahead of each stage. In this event, adaptability is as crucial as ability.
Introducing the Defender 110 Trophy Edition
To mark the return of Defender to international adventure competition, the brand is launching a limited-run Defender 110 Trophy Edition. Tough, capable, and born to explore, the Trophy Edition brings Defender’s spirit to the street – and to the trail.
Available in two heritage-inspired hues – Deep Sandglow Yellow and Keswick Green – the Trophy Edition fuses classic design cues with cutting-edge off-road functionality. Both colours offer an optional Matte Protective Film for added durability in demanding environments.
Adventure-ready features include:
- Gloss black 20-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres
- Expedition roof rack and deployable roof ladder
- Raised air intake for enhanced dust filtration
- Side-mounted gear carrier, classic mud flaps, and black undershield
- Trophy decals, illuminated treadplates, and Ebony Windsor Leather interior
- Unique laser-etched cross car beam with Trophy branding
Be Part of the Legend
From remote mountain passes to river-crossings deep in the wild, the Defender Trophy is more than a challenge – it’s a calling. An odyssey for those who are driven not only by where they can go, but by what they can give back.
