When it comes to finding synonyms for the phrase "came first," there are several options. One popular choice would be "took the lead," which implies that the person or thing in question was ahead of all others from the beginning. Another good option is "won the race," which specifically refers to winning a competition or contest. "Prevailed" is another possible synonym that suggests a hard-fought victory in a competitive situation. "Triumphed" is a similar word that also connotes success in the face of adversity. Other possibilities include "succeeded," "excelled," "outshone," and "outranked." Ultimately, the best synonym will depend on context and the specific shade of meaning you're trying to convey.