Champion vs. Contender — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 17, 2024
A champion is the current titleholder or winner of a competition, while a contender is someone competing to win or achieve that title.
Difference Between Champion and Contender
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A champion is someone who has won a competition, holding the title or honor that signifies their victory. They have proven themselves superior in their field or event, often having overcome various competitors to achieve their status. Champions are celebrated for their skills, perseverance, and success. A contender, on the other hand, is someone who is actively competing with the aim of winning a title or recognition. They have not yet achieved the highest honor but are considered strong candidates or challengers in the competition. Contenders demonstrate potential, ambition, and determination to become champions.
While a champion has already achieved victory, a contender is still striving for it, working hard to prove themselves worthy of the title. Champions often inspire and set benchmarks for contenders, who look up to and aim to surpass them.
Champions enjoy the prestige and accolades that come with their title, while contenders are in the process of building their reputation and proving their capabilities. The relationship between champions and contenders is dynamic, with champions defending their titles against the relentless efforts of contenders.
Champions are recognized for their past achievements, whereas contenders are defined by their ongoing efforts and potential future success.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Current titleholder or winner
Someone competing to win or achieve a title
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Status
Proven superior in their field
Demonstrating potential and ambition
Recognition
Celebrated for success
Known for their efforts and potential
Goal
Maintain and defend their title
Strive to win or gain the title
Relationship
Sets benchmarks and inspires others
Competes against champions to surpass them
Compare with Definitions
Champion
A person who has won a competition.
She is the reigning tennis champion.
Contender
An aspirant challenging for recognition or victory.
The startup is a contender for the innovation award.
Champion
An advocate or proponent of a cause.
He is a champion of human rights.
Contender
Someone who has a good chance of winning.
The new team is a serious contender in the league.
Champion
A winner in a contest or competition.
The chess champion will compete in the international tournament.
Contender
A competitor aiming for a title.
She emerged as a top contender in the beauty pageant.
Champion
A champion (from the late Latin campio) is the victor in a challenge, contest or competition. There can be a territorial pyramid of championships, e.g.
Contender
A person competing to win a competition.
He is a strong contender for the gold medal.
Champion
A person who has surpassed all rivals in a sporting contest or other competition
A champion hurdler
Contender
A participant showing potential in a contest.
The young athlete is a promising contender for future championships.
Champion
A person who vigorously supports or defends a person or cause
He became the determined champion of a free press
Contender
To strive in opposition or against difficulties; struggle
Armies contending for control of territory.
Had to contend with long lines at the airport.
Champion
Vigorously support or defend the cause of
He championed the rights of the working class and the poor
Contender
To strive in competition, as in a race; vie
Two runners contending for the lead.
Champion
Excellent
‘Thank ye, lad,’ the farmer said. ‘That's champion.’
Contender
To strive in controversy or debate; dispute.
Champion
One that wins first place or first prize in a competition.
Contender
To assert or maintain
The defense contended that the evidence was inadmissible.
Champion
One that is clearly superior or has the attributes of a winner
A champion at teaching.
Contender
Someone who competes with one or more other people.
Champion
An ardent defender or supporter of a cause or another person
A champion of the homeless.
Contender
Someone who has a viable chance of winning a competition.
Champion
One who fights; a warrior.
Contender
One who contends; a contestant.
Champion
To fight for, defend, or support as a champion
Championed the cause of civil rights.
Contender
The contestant you hope to defeat;
He had respect for his rivals
He wanted to know what the competition was doing
Champion
(Obsolete) To defy or challenge.
Champion
Holding first place or prize
A champion show dog.
Champion
Superior to all others
"the champion playboy of the Western World" (John Millington Synge).
Champion
An ongoing winner in a game or contest.
The defending champion is expected to defeat his challenger.
Champion
Someone who is chosen to represent a group of people in a contest.
Barcelona is eligible to play in FIFA Club World Cup as the champion of Europe.
Champion
Someone who fights for a cause or status.
Emmeline Pankhurst was a champion of women's suffrage.
Champion
Someone who fights on another's behalf.
Champion of the poor
Champion
(botany) A particularly notable member of a plant species, such as one of great size.
Champion
(attributive) Acting as a champion; having defeated all one's competitors.
Champion
(attributive) Excellent; beyond compare.
Champion
Excellent; brilliant; superb; deserving of high praise.
"That rollercoaster was champion," laughed Vinny.
Champion
(transitive) To promote, advocate, or act as a champion for (a cause, etc.).
Champion
To challenge.
Champion
One who engages in any contest; especially one who in ancient times contended in single combat in behalf of another's honor or rights; or one who now acts or speaks in behalf of a person or a cause; a defender; an advocate; a hero.
A stouter champion never handled sword.
Champions of law and liberty.
Champion
One who by defeating all rivals, has obtained an acknowledged supremacy in any branch of athletics or game of skill, and is ready to contend with any rival; as, the champion of England.
Champion
To furnish with a champion; to attend or defend as champion; to support or maintain; to protect.
Championed or unchampioned, thou diest.
Champion
Someone who has won first place in a competition
Champion
Someone who fights for a cause
Champion
A person who backs a politician or a team etc.;
All their supporters came out for the game
They are friends of the library
Champion
Someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
Champion
Protect or fight for as a champion
Champion
Holding first place in a contest;
A champion show dog
A prizewinning wine
Champion
Someone who defends a title successfully.
The boxer retained his status as world champion.
Champion
The best in a particular field or category.
They are the champions of customer service.
Common Curiosities
What is the role of a contender?
A contender's role is to compete and strive to win a title or achieve recognition in a competition.
What distinguishes a champion from a contender?
A champion has already won and holds a title, while a contender is actively competing to win or achieve that title.
Can a champion be a contender again?
Yes, a champion can become a contender if they lose their title and need to compete to regain it.
What qualities make a good contender?
Determination, skill, ambition, and the ability to challenge and compete effectively make a good contender.
Do champions face pressure differently than contenders?
Yes, champions face the pressure of maintaining their title, while contenders face the pressure of proving themselves and achieving victory.
Can contenders inspire champions?
Yes, contenders can inspire champions by pushing them to improve and stay at the top of their game.
What defines a champion?
A champion is defined as someone who has won a competition and holds the title of the best in their field.
How do contenders prepare to become champions?
Contenders prepare by training hard, studying their competition, and developing strategies to win.
Is being a contender less prestigious than being a champion?
While being a contender is not as prestigious as being a champion, it signifies potential and ambition, which are highly regarded.
Are all champions former contenders?
Yes, all champions were once contenders who competed and succeeded in winning their title.
Can a champion lose their title?
Yes, champions can lose their title if they are defeated by a contender or fail to perform up to standard.
How do champions maintain their status?
Champions maintain their status by defending their title against competitors and continuing to perform at a high level.
What motivates a contender?
Contenders are motivated by the desire to win, achieve recognition, and become the best in their field.
Do champions have more experience than contenders?
Generally, champions have more experience and proven success, while contenders are gaining experience and demonstrating their potential.
What happens when a contender becomes a champion?
When a contender becomes a champion, they take on the title and responsibilities of maintaining their new status.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
