- Defender Trophy National Winners to compete in Global Final in Africa, hosted with conservation partner Tusk, later this year
- Total of 36 finalists qualified via regional events around the world and were selected from more than 23,000 entries, with astronauts, filmmakers and teachers among the successful competitors
- Inaugural Defender Trophy adventure competition follows in the footsteps of Trophy and Challenge events of the past, with the Global Final including purpose-led initiatives to build a legacy
9 NOVEMBER 2026: Defender has revealed the finalists for the inaugural Defender Trophy, with competitors from around the world ready to take on the ultimate challenge.
The 36 National Winners qualified via ten regional events, with competitors selected from more than 23,000 applicants. With people coming from all walks of life. Astronauts. Filmmakers. Firefighters. Now, they head to Africa for the Global Final. They will face epic challenges, test their mettle and prove their off-road skills.
Defender Trophy is a new kind of epic adventure with a greater purpose. It marks the original British adventure brand’s return to global challenge events, 45 years since the original concept was launched. Honouring its rugged heritage, Defender Trophy will create a new generation of intrepid pioneers.
The Global Final later this year spans 3,000 kilometres. Three countries. Five purpose-led projects. Competitors will provide vital hands-on support, creating a long-lasting legacy alongside our conservation partner, Tusk.
Paddy McGillycuddy, Global Managing Director, Defender, said: “This is a new era for Defender, creating a new epic adventure inspired by the legacy of Trophy events of the past. The Global Final is a celebration of everyone who has been a part of Defender Trophy so far. Our finalists are courageous and ambitious, with a desire to give back and make a difference. These are not pure athletes; they are from all walks of life and have an insatiable thirst for adventure.”
THE FINALISTS
APAC: Lily Hillary
Australia: Glen Wimberley, Louise McNair
China: Shi Zeyuan, Wang Xuanyi, Zhu Weiqiang
EU: Mathilde Vougny, Max Ferrer, Marc Offenbacher, Michele Nava, Henri Steyaert, Niels Vaandrager, Tobias Wernik, Pavel Paloncy, Mert Becce, Simon Kessler, Ozbe Steblaj, Patrik Sandell, Dimitrios Kleon Papadimitriou, Bartosz Kolaczkowski, Patrycja Woszczek
Japan: Naoki Imamura
MENA: Craig Saunders, Julie Millasseau, Khaled Ahmad AlShaker
North America: Nathaniel Biggs, Tirin Cameron, Adrian Kowryha, Andrew Leveille, Sarah Gillis
South America: Emiliano Flores, Luis Eduardo Aceituno
South Africa: Lance Kime, Isabelle Roux
Taiwan: Antony Tsai, Louie Wu
