contenders
n. countable B2 Upper Intermediate US //kənˈtɛndɝz// UK //kəntˈɛndəz// con·tenders
n. people or teams competing to win a prize, job, or election.
n. persons or entities competing for a position, title, or victory in a contest or election.
The top contenders are from Europe.
Three strong contenders emerged in the final round of the singing competition.
As the primary contenders for the presidency narrowed their campaigns, they focused their messaging on economic stability and healthcare reform.