Origin: Greek suffix -ist
Finalist has 2 different meanings across 1 category:
a contestant who reaches the final stages of a competition
"After months of auditions, she was thrilled to learn that her name appeared on the poster as one of three finalists for the regional dance championship."
Somebody or something that appears in the final stage of a competition.
"After weeks of intense preparation, our team emerged as the top finalist and secured their spot in the championship round."