Literal royal seat or figurative position of supreme authority.
国王は王座に座り、宣言を読み上げた。
The king sat on the throne and read out the proclamation.
The prince ascended the throne.
first place; top spot; championship
Figurative use for the number-one position in sports, competitions, or rankings.
彼は長年、将棋の王座を守り続けている。
He has held the shogi championship for many years.
その新製品は市場で王座を獲得した。
The new product took the top spot in the market.
チャンピオンは見事に王座を防衛した。
The champion successfully defended his title.
The rookie player seized the championship.
That team has reigned at the top for many years.
首位 is a neutral term for the top rank in any ranking or standings, whereas 王座 carries the image of a 'crown' or title of supremacy, especially in sports.
タイトル is the common loanword for a championship title (as in boxing or wrestling), while 王座 evokes the same idea with a more literary, 'throne'-like image.
王座 can denote the literal throne seat as well as the position of power, whereas 王位 refers strictly to the rank or title itself.
王座 is a separate shogi title awarded through its own tournament, distinct from the 棋聖 title.
championship-deciding contest; final match; the finals
Compound of 王 (king) and 座 (seat). The figurative sense 'top position' developed from the literal meaning.