Between 1980 and 2000, Land Rover ran a series of off-road annually that were known as the Camel Trophy, which then became the G4 Challenge series during the 2000s. Billed as an ‘adventure event’, the Camel Trophy, in particular, became as iconic as the vehicles used.
Now Defender, one of the brands in the JLR portfolio, is launching a new adventure competition called the Defender Trophy described as ‘a unique global initiative which will give the participants the experience of a lifetime’.
While inspired by Camel Trophy and G4 Challenge events of the past, the Defender Trophy is expected to create its own legacy for ‘Epic Adventure, Greater Purpose’. The ‘Greater Purpose’ part relates to global conservation, which will entail a unique mission during the final round with Defender conservation partner Tusk.
“Global adventure and community have been the fabric of the Defender brand’s DNA for decades, staying true to its roots that can be traced back to the original Land Rover of 1948. Our unique new global adventure challenge will bring nations together, as competitors co‑operate to navigate tough terrain, conquer extreme physical challenges and solve tactical tests – all united by a greater purpose,” said Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender.
“Working with Tusk, our conservation partner of more than 20 years, we will bring epic adventure to a new generation of enthusiasts, watching online, while leaving a legacy we can be proud of. If you embrace the impossible and share our unstoppable spirit of adventure, this is the challenge for you,” he said.
The event will accept entries from more than 50 countries, with local selections beginning soon. National finals early next year will then determine who will make it to the global in Africa in 2026. The event will be watched online by a global audience.
Eligibility requirements include: entrants are resident in a participating country; over 23 years old; can swim 50 metres; eligible to drive and travel internationally; and speak fluent English. Defender adds that ‘an unstoppable spirit is essential’.
Defender Trophy entrants will face obstacles and a selection of mental and physical challenges in a unique test of wit, willpower and teamwork. In the local selection event, they will have to endure 3 demanding rounds of training and competition in their quest to reach the epic global final.
The global finalists will go up against one another across a series of stages as part of one epic adventure. Competitors will be scored individually but compete in pairs, with the lowest‑ranked competitor given the first pick of potential teammates ahead of each stage. Each stage will see the teams complete a variety of Driving Challenges, Ingenuity Challenges and Physical Challenges.
The teams’ progress will be shared with a global online audience, who will be introduced to a new generation of adventure challenge heroes. Building on the foundations of the earlier rounds of the competition, the winners of the global final will get the opportunity to leave a positive legacy with the people and places touched by Defender Trophy, by completing a unique Tusk conservation mission.
