MAHWAH, USA – 18 MAY 2026: Defender names four finalists who will represent North America at the Global Defender Trophy Finals in Africa this autumn. The live announcement took place at Destination Defender, the brand's flagship celebration of adventure, in front of a crowd of owners and enthusiasts.

At the North American Defender Trophy Qualifier in Mission, British Columbia from April 16–18, 120 competitors faced three days of physical, mental and mechanical challenges set against unforgiving terrain. Contenders from across the US and Canada were pushed to their limits. Four emerged above the rest. They now advance to represent North America at the Defender Trophy Global Finals in Africa later this year.

US Finalists:

Nathaniel Biggs from Austin, Texas, Sponsored by Land Rover Austin

Tirin Cameron from Vail, Colorado, Sponsored by Land Rover Roaring Fork

1st Runner up (If either winner cannot go to the Final): Charlie Miller from Boston, MA 

Canadian Finalists:

Adrian Kowryha from Montreal, QC, Sponsored by Land Rover Brossard

Andrew (AJ) Leveille from Langley, BC, Sponsored by Land Rover Decarie Motors

1st Runner Up: Joel Cates from Cochrane, AB, Sponsored by Land Rover Royal Oak

Defender Trophy Global Finals

The four North American finalists now advance to Africa for the 2026 Global Finals. Across the African landscape, finalists will face a series of driving, physical and ingenuity challenges. In collaboration with conservation partner Tusk, the competition integrates wildlife protection missions into the competition format – combining adventure with a conservation purpose.

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 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 bonnet, 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 bonnet 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 additional off‑road capability, Trophy also includes an Expedition Roof Rack¹, 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. Explore the full specification at: https://www.landroverusa.com/defender‑world/purpose/defender‑trophy/index.html

ENDS

¹ All roof loads will affect vehicle weight and raise center of gravity.