The first qualifying event for the new Defender Trophy has taken place in Japan, signalling the start of a global challenge that will culminate in Africa in 2026. The initiative marks a return to large-scale adventure competitions for the British off-road brand and aims to combine endurance, teamwork, and conservation.
From Japan to Africa
Naoki Imamura will represent Japan at next year’s world final, joining 33 other participants from across the globe. Japan hosted the opening qualification round, where 24 competitors faced a series of physical and mental challenges — including obstacle courses, bridge construction, and night-time driving tests — designed to mirror real-world expedition demands.
Related: Limited-Edition Land Rover Defender Trophy Edition for SA: Price & Specs
Over the next six months, qualification rounds will take place in seven more countries, with South Africa hosting its selection events between 28 November and 6 December. Forty-eight local contestants will compete across two rounds for a place in the global final.
Related: Defender Trophy Overview
More than 10,000 people have already applied to take part in the competition, which will ultimately bring together a diverse group of adventurers under the Defender banner and in partnership with the conservation charity Tusk.
A Modern Echo of the Camel Trophy
The new Defender 110 Trophy Edition will serve as the main expedition vehicle for the competition. Its design pays homage to the Camel Trophy — a legendary event that ran from 1980 to 2000 and helped cement Land Rover’s reputation for durability and exploration.
Earlier this year, the Trophy Edition joined former Camel Trophy competitors and enthusiasts at Eastnor Castle in the UK to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the original event. Among the attendees were 38 former participants and more than 200 fans, many of whom had taken part in or followed the golden era of Land Rover’s endurance challenges.
Related: Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X-R Completes Gruelling Test Ahead of 2026 Dakar Rally Debut
A short film released on Defender’s YouTube channel revisits that legacy through the experiences of 1989 winners Bob and Joe Ives and 1997 competitor Karen McDonald. The film links the pioneering spirit of the Camel Trophy to the new Defender Trophy’s modern focus on conservation and community benefit in partnership with Tusk.
Gear for the Journey
Alongside the competition, Defender has introduced an official Trophy Collection — a line of outdoor apparel and equipment inspired by the challenge. The range includes waterproof jackets, hybrid gilets, technical shirts, travel mugs, backpacks, and tents.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of rhino and lion soft toys will go to Tusk, reinforcing the competition’s broader environmental goals. Collectors can also purchase model versions of the Defender Trophy Edition in Deep Sandglow Yellow or Keswick Green — colours that echo the historic expedition vehicles.
South Africa’s Turn
With its combination of rugged landscapes and strong 4×4 culture, South Africa is a fitting stage for the next phase of the competition. The upcoming selection events are expected to draw local adventurers eager to test both themselves and the Defender’s capabilities.
The global final, hosted in Africa next year, will mark the culmination of this renewed commitment to adventure motoring — one that blends endurance, teamwork, and a tangible purpose beyond the vehicle itself.
