topcontender
nounUK /ˌtɒp kənˈtɛndə/
US /ˌtɑːp kənˈtɛndər/
The person or team most likely to win.
After winning every match, she became the top contender for the gold medal.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The strongest challenger in a race or contest.
The young boxer is the top contender for the world title.
3. A person seen as the most likely choice for a job or award.
He is the top contender for the manager position.
4. The leading team in a league or tournament.
Our school's team is the top contender this season.