Manal Saleh

 

 

§  Defender Trophy National Winners to compete in Global Final in Africa, hosted with conservation partner Tusk, later this year

§  Total of 36 finalists qualified via regional events around the world and were selected from more than 23,000 entries, with astronauts, filmmakers and teachers among the successful competitors

§  Inaugural Defender Trophy adventure competition follows in the footsteps of Trophy and Challenge events of the past, with the Global Final including purpose-led initiatives to build a legacy

 

9 NOVEMBER 2026: Defender has revealed the finalists for the inaugural Defender Trophy, with competitors from around the world ready to take on the ultimate challenge.

The 36 National Winners qualified via ten regional events, with competitors selected from more than 23,000 applicants. With people coming from all walks of life. Astronauts. Filmmakers. Firefighters. Now, they head to Africa for the Global Final. They will face epic challenges, test their mettle and prove their off-road skills.

Defender Trophy is a new kind of epic adventure with a greater purpose. It marks the original British adventure brand’s return to global challenge events, 45 years since the original concept was launched. Honouring its rugged heritage, Defender Trophy will create a new generation of intrepid pioneers.

The Global Final later this year spans 3,000 kilometres. Three countries. Five purpose-led projects. Competitors will provide vital hands-on support, creating a long-lasting legacy alongside our conservation partner, Tusk.

Paddy McGillycuddy, Global Managing Director, Defender, said: “This is a new era for Defender, creating a new epic adventure inspired by the legacy of Trophy events of the past. The Global Final is a celebration of everyone who has been a part of Defender Trophy so far. Our finalists are courageous and ambitious, with a desire to give back and make a difference. These are not pure athletes; they are from all walks of life and have an insatiable thirst for adventure.”

THE FINALISTS

APAC: Lily Hillary

Australia: Glen Wimberley, Louise McNair

China: Shi Zeyuan, Wang Xuanyi, Zhu Weiqiang

EU: Mathilde Vougny, Max Ferrer, Marc Offenbacher, Michele Nava, Henri Steyaert, Niels Vaandrager, Tobias Wernik, Pavel Paloncy, Mert Becce, Simon Kessler, Ozbe Steblaj, Patrik Sandell, Dimitrios Kleon Papadimitriou, Bartosz Kolaczkowski, Patrycja Woszczek

Japan: Naoki Imamura

MENA: Craig Saunders, Julie Millasseau, Khaled Ahmad AlShaker

North America: Nathaniel Biggs, Tirin Cameron, Adrian Kowryha, Andrew Leveille, Sarah Gillis

South America: Emiliano Flores, Luis Eduardo Aceituno

South Africa: Lance Kime, Isabelle Roux

Taiwan: Antony Tsai, Louie Wu

 

ENDS

 

 

 

ABOUT DEFENDER

Defender embraces the impossible. Each member of the Defender family is purposefully designed, highly desirable and seriously durable. A modern-day hero that respects the past but at the same time anticipates the future.

 

Available in 90, 110 and 130 body styles, with up to eight seats, each has a charisma of its own.

 

Defender can be specified from a range of powertrain options, including Defender 110 as an electric hybrid.

 

Defender Hard Top means business, with 90 and 110 body styles for professional capability.

 

The tough luxury Defender OCTA is the master of extreme performance – taking performance and capability to another level on and off-road.

 

A beacon of liberty that can trace its roots back to the first Land Rover in 1948, Defender is a brand that supports humanitarian and conservation work with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Tusk Trust.

 

The Defender brand is underpinned by Land Rover – a mark of trust built on more than 75 years of expertise in technology and world-renowned off-road capability.

 

Defender is designed and engineered in the UK and sold in 121 countries. It forms part of JLR's portfolio of distinctive British brands. 

 

 

FURTHER INFORMATION

 

MEDIA WEBSITE 

https://media.jlr.com/defender  

 

SOCIAL CHANNELS 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@defender   

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Defender/