What are synonyms for "challengers"?

Synonyms for challengers: contenders, competitors, rivals, opponents, aspirants, candidates.

challengers

People or entities that invite others to engage in a contest or competition.

Individuals who dispute the truth, validity, or authority of something.

Contenders who compete against an incumbent or a current titleholder.

The incumbent champion prepared to face several new challengers in the upcoming tournament.

The political party is actively recruiting strong challengers to run against the current officeholders.

Despite being the underdogs, the challengers managed to secure a surprising victory against the top-seeded team.