Two years ago, I participated in the Land Rover Trek event held in Texas and came very close to winning the event with my team (we finished second, losing to the returning champions). The event comprised a series of physical and mental challenges centered around the capable, tenacious, and stylish new Land Rover Defender 130. The Global Defender Trophy Competition will build on the legacy of the Camel Trophy and Land Rover Challenge events of the past, aiming to attract individuals with a passion for exploration, challenge, and conservation. This new initiative will span more than 50 countries, culminating in a global final in Africa in 2026. The event will not only test the physical and mental endurance of its participants but also aim to make a meaningful contribution to wildlife conservation efforts through a partnership with the long-standing Defender ally, Tusk.
The Defender Trophy will unfold in three main stages: local selections, beginning in the summer of 2025; national finals in early 2026; and the global final later that year. The final, to be hosted on the African continent, will see competitors navigate treacherous terrain, tackle practical problem-solving tasks, and complete physically demanding challenges. Entrants will be evaluated on teamwork, driving ability, innovation, and resilience.
Eligibility criteria include being over 23 years of age, holding a valid driver’s license, being fluent in English, and meeting basic physical requirements such as swimming 50 meters in the heat of competition. Participants must also be legally able to travel internationally. The competition is open to residents of participating countries, and applications are now being accepted.
The Trophy competition aims to combine demanding off-road adventure with a meaningful purpose. During the final stages in Africa, competitors will be scored individually but will be required to work in pairs. The lowest-ranked individual before each stage will have the first pick of their teammate, creating dynamic and evolving alliances throughout the competition. The stages will include driving, ingenuity, and physical tasks, ranging from difficult trail navigation to river crossings and canyon traverses.
As the competition unfolds, footage and progress updates will be shared with a global online audience. The intention is not only to entertain but also to inspire, showcasing the next generation of adventurers while reinforcing the Defender brand’s legacy of exploration and environmental stewardship.
Accompanying the launch of the competition is the release of the Defender 110 Trophy Edition, a special version of the iconic vehicle designed to reflect the spirit of the event. Camel Trophy Land Rovers from the 1980s and 1990s are highly sought after, and these new vehicles might very well become valuable collector’s items for the true Land Rover enthusiast. Available in two heritage-inspired colors—Deep Sandglow Yellow and Keswick Green—the Trophy Edition is outfitted with a suite of off-road enhancements and bespoke visual details. The color Deep Sandglow Yellow draws on the legacy of past expedition vehicles, while Keswick Green pays tribute to the Defender’s rural roots in the UK. The optional matte protective film provides additional bodywork protection for rugged use.
The exterior of the Defender 110 Trophy Edition features gloss-black accents on the bonnet, lower bodyside, brake calipers, and rear recovery eyes. Unique badging, decals, and 20-inch gloss-black alloy wheels with all-terrain tires distinguish the vehicle visually. The interior features Ebony Windsor Leather seats, illuminated treadplates, and a cross-car beam finished in body color with laser-etched Trophy branding.
Functional upgrades include optional expedition-ready features such as a roof rack, deployable roof ladder, side-mounted gear carrier, front and rear mud flaps, and a raised air intake. These accessories are designed to support long-distance travel and off-grid exploration. The Defender 110 Trophy Edition is now available to order in the UK, with a starting price of £89,810 (approximately USD 113,400).
More information for prospective competitors, including full eligibility details and application instructions, is available on Land Rover’s official Defender Trophy site, landrover.com/defender-trophy.
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