The Elite Twelve: Following a grueling North American Trophy Qualifier in remote British Columbia, twelve standout competitors have emerged, proving they have grit to embrace the impossible
Tested to the Limit: 120 participants from the U.S. and Canada faced a battery of challenges, pushing their physical and mental fitness and off‑road driving to the edge
Africa Awaits: From this group, only four—two from the U.S. and two from Canada—will be chosen to represent North America at the 2026 Global Defender Trophy Final in Africa this October
The Reveal: The four winners representing North America will be announced during a live ceremony at Destination Defender New York on May 15th
Own the Adventure: For those who live and breathe the Defender spirit, official Trophy‑branded merchandise—including apparel as worn in the competition and scale models—is now available through authorized retailers
The Ultimate Trophy: Learn more about the Defender Trophy competition and the Global Finals this October in Africa at https://www.landroverusa.com/defender‑world/purpose/defender‑trophy/index.html
Mahwah, NJ – Friday April 24, 2026: Defender, the original British Adventure brand, announced the selection of 12 finalists following the rigorous North American Defender Trophy Qualifier Event, held in Mission, British Columbia. The multi‑day grueling challenge brought together 120 competitors from across the United States and Canada, all vying for a place in the next stage of the global adventure.
Set against the rugged backdrop of British Columbia’s evergreen forests, Stave Lake, and the surrounding mountain terrain, the Mission, BC location provided an epic proving ground for this intense competition. A purpose‑built off‑road area featured technical trails, obstacle courses, and open terrain designed to challenge the capability of Defender vehicles.
Competing in teams across three waves, participants faced a series of driving, ingenuity and physical challenges that tested endurance, teamwork, off‑road skill and navigation.
Inspired by the legacy of iconic Defender Trophy challenges, the North American qualifier continues the tradition of pushing competitors to their limits in extreme environments, while celebrating adventure, resilience and capability.
US Finalists
‑ Tirin Cameron (Vail, CO)
‑ Charlie Miller (Boston, MA)
‑ Nathaniel Biggs (Austin, TX)
‑ William Roseburg (Spokane, WA)
‑ Carlo Capua (Ft. Worth, TX)
‑ Lewis Gillis (Monroe, WA)
Canadian Finalists
‑ Joel Cates (Cochrane, AB)
‑ AJ Leveille (Langley, BC)
‑ Adrian Kowryha (Montreal, QC)
‑ Nils Weidenbruch (Toronto, ON)
‑ Richard George (Abbotsford, BC)
‑ Jesse Giddings (Salt Spring Island, BC)
The four North American finalists—two representing the U.S. and two representing Canada—will be revealed during a live ceremony at Destination Defender, with the selected finalists advancing to the global competition in Africa.
The announcement will take place during Destination Defender, the brand’s premier adventure festival at Cedar Lakes Estate in New York’s Hudson Valley, where the twelve North American semifinalists will gather alongside Defender owners and enthusiasts. The immersive weekend will bring the community together for off‑road driving, elevated culinary experiences, and a range of adventure‑focused activities.
Congratulations to all twelve finalists who emerged from an exceptionally tough North American Qualifier. Their determination, teamwork and capability truly embodied the Defender spirit. We’re looking forward to announcing those who advance as they continue their journey toward the 2026 Defender Trophy Global Final.
Charlotte Blank
North America Director, Defender
Creating a legend: New Defender 110 Trophy Edition
The new Defender 110 Trophy Edition celebrates the brand's return to international adventure challenge events and offers a range of recommended expedition accessories that make the vehicle the perfect companion for every expedition. It also introduces two heritage‑inspired colors that will represent adventure to a new audience of enthusiasts.
Available exclusively in either Deep Sandglow Yellow or Keswick Green, the new Trophy Edition features a contrasting Gloss Black finish on the hood, lower bodyside, brake calipers and rear recovery eyes. Deep Sandglow Yellow is a modern interpretation of a color synonymous with Defender vehicles used on international Trophy style events, while Keswick Green celebrates rural exploration in the Defender brand’s UK homeland. Both colors can be finished with an optional Matte Protective Film which provides an added layer of protection to the bodywork, providing reassurance and enhanced durability to those who go off the beaten track.
The adventure‑ready specification includes new Gloss Black 20‑inch alloy wheels wearing rugged All Terrain Tires for reliable grip on all surfaces, a Dark Rear Scuff Plate and Gloss Black Wheelarch Protection, with a Black front undershield.
Trophy decals on the hood and C‑pillar graphic, plus Trophy rear badging, set the special edition model apart on the outside. Inside, Trophy illuminated treadplates reinforce its provenance, while Ebony Windsor Leather seats provide tough luxury. The exposed Cross Car Beam is finished in the same distinctive color as the exterior and features unique laser‑etched endcaps with Trophy branding.
For the ultimate off‑road capability, Trophy also includes an Expedition Roof Rack providing additional stowage space for gear laden journeys, while a Black Deployable Roof Ladder makes it easier to access objects stored overhead. A Gloss Black Side‑Mounted Gear Carrier provides extra space for muddy, wet or sandy items, Front and Rear Classic Mud Flaps and a Raised Air Intake for dust filtration.
Defender Trophy: A competition like no other
The four North American winners will head to Africa for the global final in Autumn 2026. Finalists will go up against one another across a series of Purpose missions interspersed with physical, driving and ingenuity challenges as part of one epic adventure, hosted in Africa with Defender conservation partner Tusk. An epic adventure, with a greater purpose.
ENDS
