Moral dilemmas and temptations, relationship friction, increased pressure and ticking clocks, loss of control, losing an advantage, ego-related conflict

A contestant winning a talent show because of their romantic involvement with a producer, judge, or other person of influence
A student getting a solo, scholarship, or leadership position because they're a teacher's favorite
The character applying for a coveted job that's eventually offered to one of the boss's relatives
An athlete "throwing" a match so their opponent will win
Biased referees determining who wins a championship game
A civic election being decided by widespread fraud (voting machines being hacked, a name being "left off" of the ballot, certain people not being allowed to vote, etc.)
A candidate winning a high school election because students were bribed or intimidated into voting for him

Losing the benefit that would have come with the win (getting the job, being the best, being elected to a position that would allow good to be done, etc.)
A lengthy investigation of an election that postpones the final result
The character having to sue the organization to achieve justice
The character complaining about the unfair outcome and being labeled a sore loser, troublemaker, or conspiracy theorist
Dwindling passion and increased apathy
The character losing respect for a person or organization they once idolized
Wasted time and money pursuing a dream that was never going to happen
A loyal friend or family member going on a public tirade, bringing unwanted attention to the character
Dealing with disappointment, both in the loss and the fixed outcome
The character betting on the outcome and losing money
Wanting to go public with the information but being dissuaded by family members