competition to be first; race to lead the charge
Refers to a rivalry or contest to be the first to act, originally in a military charge but now used more broadly for any race to be first.
Companies are competing fiercely to be the first to enter the new market.
During the Warring States period, warlords risked their lives in the race to lead the charge.
Compound of 先陣 (vanguard, being first in a charge) and 争い (conflict, competition). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term likely originated in military contexts.