con·tend·er 
/kənˈtɛndɚ/ noun
plural con·tend·ers /kənˈtɛndɚ/ noun [count] : a person who tries to win something in a contest ; especially : a person who has a good chance of winning
▪ There are several contestants, but only two real contenders. ▪ the top/leading presidential contenders ▪ This latest defeat means that she's no longer a contender for the world title.
▪ There are several contestants, but only two real contenders. ▪ the top/leading presidential contenders ▪ This latest defeat means that she's no longer a contender for the world title.
