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 select countries around the world from 2025 to 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 to overcome. It will test wit, willpower and teamwork. Every decision will count.
 

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

The reward for the winners is to take part in the final mission. This will be an exhilarating expedition where they will use everything they have learned and unleash their skills to make a real impact on conservation efforts and purposeful causes.

No, this is a competition but not a race, there may be timed elements within the competition, but these will have strict controls. Competitors must ensure they always drive 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 and accept the Terms and conditions, see here LINK.

Full eligibility criteria are  described in the application form and terms and conditions HERE.
 

Some of the eligibility requirements include:  that entrants must be 23 years or over, fit to complete a demanding adventure challenge, must have a driving licence, 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 applications from employees of JLR or competitor automotive brands.  

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

The Defender Trophy team are aiming to broadcast the competition across Defender owned channels/platforms including YouTube and social media channels. 

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 anticipated to take place in October 2026. Confirmed dates will be announced during the competition process.

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

Precise locations will be announced later in the competition process.

For more than 70 years  Defender and Land Rover models have explored the world’s extremes.  This unique legacy inspires a new breed of challenge for a new generation of adventurers and pioneers.

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 up to two winners.