unknowncontender
nounUK /ʌnˈnəʊn kənˈtɛndə/
US /ʌnˈnoʊn kənˈtɛndər/
A person who competes in a game or contest but is not famous yet.
The unknown contender surprised everyone by winning the race.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A team that few people have heard of but that is taking part in a competition.
The unknown contender from a small town made it to the finals.
3. Someone trying to win something without being well known.
She entered the contest as an unknown contender and left as a star.
4. A quiet person in a race or match who might still win.
Nobody watched the unknown contender until he crossed the finish line first.