frontrunner, challenger, winner, pretender, victor, underdog, longshot, champion, runner, rans, candidate, newcomer, champ, heir apparent, comer, finalist, competitor, titleist, shoo, finisher, starter, titlist, hopefuls, titleholder, opponent, favorites, wins, nominee, powerhouse, entrant, consolation prize, lightweights, rivals, contention, stepping stone, heavyweight, upsetter, pugilist, dethroning, twotime, rematch, successor, aspirant, loser, underachiever, sleeper, crowd puller, phenom, hoper, protege, outsider, juggernaut, dominator, bolter, foe, backer, nemesis, featherweight, sparring partner, semifinalist, race, title, darling, playmaker, championship, superstar, pushover, spoiler, barnburner, leader, plodder, suitor, upstart, headliner, matchup, late bloomer, vanquisher, wild card, performer, wunderkind, tossup, player, pedigree, middleweight, steppingstone, yawner, savior, kingmaker, puncher, light heavyweight, snoozer, welterweight, doormat, scorer, victories, quarterfinalist, wildcard, overdog, stunner, elder statesman, topliner, laughingstock, contenders, challengers, contestant, candidates, contestants, suspect, competitors, claimant, rival, spokesperson, incumbent, appointee, spokesman

enemy, favorite, favourite, front-runner, king, runner-up, second best, street fighter, title-holder, world-beater

competition