FAQS

Defender Trophy is a global adventure challenge program with a purposeful mission at its core.​ EPIC Adventure with Greater Purpose.
 

​The program consists of a series of competitive selection events in countries around the world from October 2025 to June 2026 (refer to the list of participating countries), culminating in an epic global final in October 2026. ​
 

The objective is to build a global community of inspired Defender advocates who love a challenge and who support conservation causes. 

The competition comprises a series of team-based challenges. Participants will navigate some of the world’s most brutal and unforgiving terrain, along the way facing engineering, and physical challenges that may seem impossible. It will test wit, willpower and teamwork. Every decision will count.

To win the Defender Trophy, a team will need to prove the superior collective value of its character, personality, skills, sociability, inventiveness and collaboration.
 

The reward for the winning team is to take part in the final mission – to unleash their skills to drive impactful conservation efforts.

No, this is a competition but not a race, there may be timed elements within the competition, but these will have strict controls to ensure everyone drives responsibly.

Individuals with an adventurous mindset – people who prefer to ‘do more’ than ‘have more’.

They are not age or gender defined, but are courageous and ambitious, liberated pioneers who have a desire to give back. To make a difference. These are not professional athletes; they are from all walks of life and have an insatiable thirst for adventure. They are fit, positive, collaborative and competitive. Defender Trophy is personal to them – they thrive in being part of its success.

In summary, we are looking for people who reflect true Defender values and are excited by a challenge.

Residents in participating countries can apply as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.

Applicants need to be 23 years or over, fit to complete a demanding adventure challenge, must have a driving license, be able to travel internationally, can swim 50 m unassisted and unaided, communicate fluently in English, and acknowledge and accept that they will be living outdoor for several weeks and that they will be filmed and photographed. We will not be accepting employees of JLR or competitor automotive brands. Full eligibility criteria is described in the application form.

No. Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria can apply. Participants will need to have a reasonable level of resilience to endure what will be an arduous challenge.

The competition will create the platform for a series of high-quality programs to be broadcast on YouTube and other social media channels.

The first Defender Trophy global final is currently under development and will take place in southern Africa in authentic and challenging surroundings where Defender is already contributing to local causes reflecting our 20-year association with TUSK org.  

Precise locations will be announced later.

The opening and closing dates for applications will vary by country.

National selection events will follow the application closing date and will be different for each participating country. All global winners will be announced in August 2026. The global final is in October 2026.

For more than 77 years Defender and its Land Rover heritage models have explored the world’s extremes. This unique legacy inspires a new breed of challenge for a new generation of adventurers and pioneers.

We are committed to delivering a successful Defender Trophy Competition in 2025-2026. The ambition of Defender Trophy is to become a repeating program.

In the first season of the program, we are welcoming applicants and selecting winners from the residents of the USA, Canada, China, Japan, Taiwan, South Africa, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland and other European countries as well as countries in the Asia Pacific and the Gulf Region. For the full list, please refer to ‘participating countries’ section.

Only residents in the participating countries will be eligible to take part.

Each country will select two winners.  

This is not an individual winner-takes-all competition. There will be a team of winners who will be completing the mission.