The phrase "recent finalist" means someone who was one of the final contestants or competitors in a competition that took place not long ago. Full definition
Additionally, the ATJ Tech Fellows Program were recent finalists at Seattle's Social Venture Partners» annual Fast Pitch Showdown, a pitch competition that supports social entrepreneurs looking for capacity building and funding to support their innovative social impact ventures. (legalfoundation.org)
If you look at many of the recent finalists or semi finalists, it's not the super aggressive ball hogs you see there with the exception of Barcelona and Guardiola's version of Bayern, it's teans like Juventus, Atletico, Chelsea and to a lesser extent Madrid. (justarsenal.com)
Sara's work has been featured in InStyle, Better Homes & Gardens, Sunset, Fine Cooking, The Kitchn, Etsy, Food 52, and EcoSalon, and the blog was a recent finalist in Saveur's Best Food Blog Awards for Best Food Photography. (amazon.com)