Andy Paredes is back in the winner’s circle.

After building momentum with a three-show winning streak in 2025, Paredes entered this season with expectations higher than ever. However, bodybuilding has a way of reminding athletes that nothing is guaranteed. The start of his campaign didn’t unfold the way many expected, and questions began to emerge about whether he could recapture the form that made him one of the division’s most consistent competitors.

The answer came at the Oklahoma Pro.

Competing in his 4th show of the season, Paredes delivered when it mattered most, defeating Tom Stanley, who finished second, and Luis Roberto Valenzuela Ramos in third to secure a crucial victory.

The result didn’t come without pressure.

Just weeks earlier, Paredes had finished runner-up at the Legion Sports Fest, a result that likely left him frustrated knowing how close he was to standing on top of the podium. For any athlete chasing Olympia qualification points and momentum, repeatedly coming close can quickly become mentally draining.

But instead of allowing the pressure to build, Paredes responded the way experienced professionals do.

He brought a package that was good enough to separate himself from a competitive lineup and give the judges confidence in their decision. Against quality opposition, he stayed composed, executed when it counted, and reminded everyone why he has been one of the division’s most reliable competitors over the last two seasons.

The victory also highlights how quickly things can change in bodybuilding.

One week an athlete is dealing with disappointment after narrowly missing out on a win. The next, they are back on top and rebuilding momentum. That’s the reality of the sport. Success often comes down to making small adjustments and showing up better than the last time.

For Paredes, the timing could not be better.

With this win now secured, he finds himself just one victory away from booking his return trip to the Olympia. The mission is straightforward: win one more show and punch his ticket back to bodybuilding’s biggest stage.

If the package he brought to Oklahoma is any indication, that opportunity may not be far away.

After a slower start to the season than many anticipated, Andy Paredes has steadied the ship. The confidence is back, the momentum is building, and perhaps most importantly, he has put himself back in control of his Olympia destiny.

Now the focus shifts to the next contest and the chance to finish the job.