If not all photographers folder the criteria for what type of shot is in the contest, then obviously their photo shouldn't even be considered. If the rules are going to be so loose to the definition, and be so objective to 'vision' then that's disappointing.
Yes the 3rd place has a person in it, but you can't even see them, it's a silhouette, in no way is that portrait. If it were abstract portraits yes... but for example, it's better matching for this next theme creative lighting than a portrait.