Stephan Jacobs was crowned the winner of the Fortuner Challenge 2026 on Tuesday night in Cape Town, overcoming tough weather and a series of demanding physical and mental challenges to secure the title.
Image: Simon Majadibodu/IOL
There you have it — the winner of the Fortuner Challenge 2026 is none other than Stephan Jacobs, who walks away with a brand-new Toyota Fortuner.
Representing Independent Media, Jacobs was announced the winner on Tuesday night following two days of intense and demanding challenges at the Asara Wine Estate and Hotel.
The competition pairs four members of the public with four sporting heroes, with each team representing a major media house. This marks the third consecutive year that a representative of Independent Media has won the competition.
The Toyota Fortuner Challenge 2026 kicked off in Cape Town on Monday, April 20, delivering high-intensity action as competitors battled through a series of gruelling tasks.
Hosted in the Western Cape, the two-day event - powered by Quartz Engine Oil - brought together athletes from various sporting codes to test skill, adaptability, and both mental and physical endurance.
Team Blue, representing Independent Media, featured Stephan Jacobs and showjumping athlete Tamar Gliksman.
Team Yellow, competing for Arena Holdings, included Shaun Farrell and former professional footballer Morgan Gould, who previously played for Kaizer Chiefs and represented Bafana Bafana.
Team Green, representing SuperSport, paired Andre Malan with professional rugby player Clayton Blommetjies of the Toyota Cheetahs.
Team Red, under Media24's banner, consisted of Lelani Loots and rising motorsport talent Saood Variawa of Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa.
Stephan Jacobs and teammate Tamar Gliksman during the Fortuner Challenge 2026 at Asara Wine Estate and Hotel in the Western Cape.
Image: Supplied
On Monday, teams completed four challenges that combined endurance, strength and resilience, with conditions proving cold and unpredictable.
Click here to read more about what happened on Monday
Tuesday raised the stakes, with five additional challenges demanding teamwork, communication and determination.
The challenges were led by Paul de Vos, managing director of the Dr Driving Academy, and Gavin Kearns of Shift Concepts.
This challenge featured a 150m drag race using specialised e-bikes, with contestants alternating riders. Results determined lane selection for the next stage, where competitors chose routes based on risk and reward.
Harder lanes offered greater points but tougher terrain and questions.
Teams had three minutes to retrieve flags, with the highest total determining the winner.
This task tested communication skills.
One partner guided the other, who could not see the full image, to complete a 27-piece puzzle within 20 minutes. Precision and clear instruction proved critical.
A lighter but competitive segment, this round showcased players’ skills in the fast-growing sport of padel, with rotating matches adding a social and energetic element.
The three-hour finale featured four stations:
The final challenge combined mental and physical endurance across four stages, including a blindfold maze, a bungee “spider web” obstacle, a precision block-hoisting task and a domino-style coordination test.
The first team to complete 12 successful domino placements secured victory.
Despite wet and windy conditions, competitors pushed through to the end in pursuit of the grand prize.
Speaking to IOL News after his victory, Jacobs described the experience as intense and exhilarating.
“It was a lot over the last two days - adrenaline, stress, excitement and competitiveness all at once,” he said.
Jacobs said he expected a close finish.
“I knew I had a chance, but the other competitors were very strong. Winning the final challenge, which counted double points, gave me confidence.”
He added that the toughest moment came early in the competition.
“The first challenge was the hardest. I made an error with GPS coordinates and ended up running an extra 2.5km. I thought I was out, but we kept pushing and ended up winning that challenge. That’s when I realised it’s anyone’s game - the first person to give up loses.”
On preparation, Jacobs said he focused on both mental and physical readiness.
“I studied previous challenges, watched videos and practised puzzles and problem-solving. Physically, I kept active with cycling, running and swimming.”
The winner receives a brand-new Toyota Fortuner valued at approximately R740,000.
Additional prizes include:
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