most likely contender; prime candidate; top prospect
Used in contexts such as elections, job selections, sports, or any competition to refer to the person or thing considered the strongest candidate.
He is the prime candidate for the next president.
This team is seen as the top prospect for the championship.
有力候補 means a strong candidate, while 最有力候補 emphasizes the single strongest or most likely candidate.
Compound of 最 (most), 有力 (influential, strong), and 候補 (candidate).