I like Entry #7, but I'm still not convinced the design in front of the font is exactly right. I think it is too simplistic. Perhaps something between Entry #7 and Entry #6 would be best. I like the idea of the dots in the entry that is currently ranked in 1st place. They are simple, but for some reason, are closer to what I was envisioning.
Also, can you do something where "LIT" and "HELP" are a little bit darker blue? I like the offsetting color scheme, but I'd like to see it in just a little bit darker shades of blue.