I like the 'medal who replace O', only... maybe it's my eyes, or maybe this one is really device's display dependent, but it shows really light on mine. It's hardly noticeable. I prefer your previous project idea, but bigger characters compared to the coin.
Then I had a vision... I thought of a King - or an emperor - sitting on a throne, with some honoring people around him. The King wears a crown, and holds a banner mentioning: 'Contests Leader'. That picture I could use as a heading for the OP of the Nr. 1 Contests Leader, then the crown, or the banner, or a combination of both could be used for the purpose I seek here: the Nr.1 Contests Leader may use it in his/her signature for the time being, that way showing he/she is the leader, while at the same time a reminder to that heading picture: whoever involved in contests will recognize the signature owner as his King and leader...
Then it's the problem with visions: one has to find the best way to explain what he saw to someone else. Hope you understand what I'm talking about...