Journalist Tool

Kineticist

  • HDashboard
  • IItems
  • ↓Ingest
  • SSources
  • KBeats
  • BBriefs
  • RIntel
  • QSearch
  • AActivity
  • +Health
  • ?Guide

v0.1.0

← All beats

Pinball

/pinball

DashboardKnowledge Base2772IntelligenceTools1SettingsChangelog
← Back to KB

Jim Belsito

personactive74 mentionsFirst seen May 8, 2006Last seen Oct 13, 2025

Profile

Jim Belsito is a prominent Southern California pinball player and tournament organizer based in Murrieta. He is a Pinburgh champion known for expertise across all machine eras and has secured significant venues for major tournaments. Beyond competitive play, Belsito co-organizes major events including INDISC and the 2025 IFPA World Championships in California, and co-founded IE Pinball streaming with Karl DeAngelo.

Aliases

No aliases

Relationships

No relationships

Facts

  • achievementRanked 10th in 2020 Stern Pro Circuit Championship tournamenthighfrom 2023
  • achievementWon first place in Game 9 of 2020 Stern Pro Circuit Championship with 118 million pointshighfrom 2023-07-30
  • achievementSecured Riverside Convention Center venue for tournamentshighfrom 2021
  • attributeOwns Limited Edition version of Godzilla pinball machinehigh
  • locationFrom Murrieta, Californiahigh
  • roleHosting 2025 IFPA World Championships in Californiahighfrom 2025

Claims (27)

  • factualhigh

    Jim Belsito's barn location for World Championships contained approximately 60-70 machines.

    Source: Tom (estimate in response to host question)Aussie Pinball Podcast Ep 22: Lambo & Tom Experience The IFPA World Championships
  • factualhigh

    Jim Belsito is not in the 2023 high stakes finals despite being a known strong high stakes player

    Source: IE Pinball hosts (noting absence from bracket)INDISC 2023 - High Stakes Playoffs - Semifinals
  • factualhigh

    Jim Belsito has been playing pinball tournaments since the 1990s

    Episode 382: INDISC 2024 will soon be here
  • opinionhigh

    Jim Belsito's tournament curation emphasizes game diversity and 'honest' (skill-rewarding) machine setup

Recent Mentions (75)

  • Top competitive pinball player; Keith maintains 113-36 record against him

    Episode 79 – We Enter The MatrixMar 1, 2018
  • Tournament opponent in round five

    Episode 12 - Pinburgh Part 1Aug 14, 2019
  • Raymond's teammate in Epstein Cup; achieved third place on Whirlwind through right ramp strategy despite not starting multiball

    Episode 9 - IFPA 16Jun 17, 2019
  • Tournament organizer/game setup curator; known for curating interesting/diverse machine lineups; won Revenge from Mars round with 45 million

    Tucson Pinball Podcast – Episode 70 – I Don’t Belong HereNov 12, 2023
  • Tournament organizer and competitive pinball player, co-organizer of The Open (formerly Indisc)

    Episode 1 - PinmastersApr 8, 2019
  • Tournament player and organizer; George expresses interest in meeting him at Pintastic 2022

    #86 Pintastic 2022 The Classic Pinball PodcastJun 21, 2022
  • Tournament official or operator at INDISC who ruled on Indy 500 multiball glitch

Contradictions

  • Existing: Jim Belsito won first place in Game 9 with 118 million points (mention 1)vsConflicting: Jim Belsito was ranked 10th in tournament in Game 8 (mention 2), suggesting inconsistent performance across consecutive games
    Unresolved
  • Existing: Jim Belsito is from Murrieta, California (mentions 0, 1, 2)vsConflicting: Jim Belsito is associated with Inland Empire (IE) Pinball, suggesting broader Southern California region rather than exclusively Murrieta
    Expert: merged definition Expert: merged definition
    Resolved
    merged · Mar 2, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

role
Co-founder of IE Pinball streaming
high
  • roleCo-tournament director of It Never Drainshigh
  • roleAnnual party host in Southern Californiahigh
  • roleCompetitive pinball player in Stern Pro Circuithighfrom 2023
  • roleCo-director of IFPA Open tournamenthighfrom 2021
  • roleCo-director of Indisc tournamenthighfrom 2021
  • roleCo-organizer of INDISC responsible for game preparation and selectionhighfrom 2023
  • Source: HostTucson Pinball Podcast – Episode 70 – I Don’t Belong Here
  • factualhigh

    Jim Belsito was the first player to start an Encounter in this match

    Source: Tim Sexton2020 Stern Pro Circuit Championship Game 9
  • factualhigh

    Jim Belsito took first place after ball two with 118 million points

    Source: Tim Sexton2020 Stern Pro Circuit Championship Game 9
  • factualhigh

    Jim Belsito owns an LE version of Godzilla despite not typically buying LE versions

    Source: Jim Belsito2020 Stern Pro Circuit Championship Game 8
  • factualhigh

    Jim Belsito started playing pinball in 1985 after someone recommended it as alternative to video games

    Source: Jim Belsito2020 Stern Pro Circuit Championship Game 8
  • factualhigh

    Jim Belsito discovered an exploit on Iron Maiden where repeated upper loop shots were too profitable, prompting a code change

    Source: Jeff Teolis recounting; Keith Elwin confirmingEpisode 361: Keith Elwin set for Carnage
  • factualhigh

    Jim Belsito modded the upper flipper feed area because the original game has no ramp that naturally feeds the upper flipper

    Source: Carl D'AngeloAlvin G Mystery Castle Pinball Gameplay Stream - OF DOOM!
  • factualhigh

    Jim Belsito's business is located 1 mile from Riverside Convention Center, compared to 45 minutes from Museum of Pinball

    Source: Pinball Profile Episode 330Episode 330: Jim Belsito – INDISC 2022
  • factualhigh

    INDISC 2022 features 8 separate tournaments across 4 days (February 3-6)

    Source: Pinball Profile Episode 330Episode 330: Jim Belsito – INDISC 2022
  • opinionhigh

    Discord platform has improved INDISC communication versus previous fragmented approach using Facebook and Tilt forums

    Source: Pinball Profile Episode 330Episode 330: Jim Belsito – INDISC 2022
  • factualmedium

    Godzilla LE will be featured in INDISC 2022 main tournament lineup without confirmed code updates by tournament date

    Source: Pinball Profile Episode 330Episode 330: Jim Belsito – INDISC 2022
  • opinionhigh

    INDISC has historically operated at a financial loss but prioritizes prize purses over profitability

    Source: Pinball Profile Episode 330Episode 330: Jim Belsito – INDISC 2022
  • factualhigh

    The Museum of Pinball, previous INDISC venue, is no longer available

    Source: Pinball Profile Episode 330Episode 330: Jim Belsito – INDISC 2022
  • factualhigh

    Riverside Convention Center is located 16 miles from Ontario Airport and 100 miles from LAX

    Source: Pinball Profile Episode 330Episode 330: Jim Belsito – INDISC 2022
  • opinionhigh

    Sudden Death pinball game becomes playable as tournament game after ROM modification eliminates randomness

    Source: Pinball Profile Episode 330Episode 330: Jim Belsito – INDISC 2022
  • factualhigh

    IFPA Open grand prize is a premium-tier Stern Pinball machine (not Pro-tier)

    Source: Pinball Profile Episode 330Episode 330: Jim Belsito – INDISC 2022
  • factualhigh

    INDISC has been held annually since 2012, starting with only 2 events (main and classics)

    Source: Pinball Profile Episode 330Episode 330: Jim Belsito – INDISC 2022
  • factualhigh

    The IFPA Open championship event was relocated from the Museum of Pinball in Southern California to Riverside Convention Center for February 2022 due to the museum's closure and machine liquidation.

    Source: Jeff TeolisEpisode 328: The Pinball Profile Top 10 Most Intriguing People of 2021
  • factualhigh

    Jim Belsito qualifies on very few attempts and often at the last moment

    Source: Tournament player profile videoINDISC 2019 - Main Playoffs - Quarterfinals
  • factualhigh

    INDISC started in 2012 at Lake Alice bar in Riverside with 52-53 participants

    Source: Jim BelsitoEpisode 237: INDISC and the IFPA Open
  • factualhigh

    Theater of Magic had a top score of 1.6 billion across three days of play with top 100 competitors

    Source: Jim BelsitoEpisode 237: INDISC and the IFPA Open
  • factualhigh

    INDISC has been held at the Museum of Pinball in Banning for the past four years

    Source: Jim BelsitoEpisode 237: INDISC and the IFPA Open
  • factualhigh

    Soren (Danish software expert) provides advanced software modifications for tournament games to improve playability

    Source: Jim BelsitoEpisode 237: INDISC and the IFPA Open
  • factualhigh

    Jim Belsito set Guinness records on Addams Family (1,591,573,470), Twilight Zone (1,726,330,320), and Creature from Black Lagoon (1,015,433,710)

    Source: Pinball News articleJust for the Record
  • Episode 14 - INDISC Part 1Jan 12, 2020
  • INDISC event organizer/runner while simultaneously competing in tournament, noted as strong player and community figure

    INDISC 2022 Classics Target Match Play Final RoundsDec 28, 2022
  • InDisc tournament director; game studio owner; known for quirky machine selection and creative tournament modifications

    Ep 51: Dumb and DumberFeb 24, 2022
  • Competitor in first group; described as a control player; had strong start on Black Rose but drained near target

    2019 IFPA Pin-Masters Qualifying | Day 1 | First SessionMay 30, 2020
  • Pinball modifier/technician who made a critical mod to Mystery Castle's upper flipper feed area to make the game playable

    Alvin G Mystery Castle Pinball Gameplay Stream - OF DOOM!Jan 9, 2023
  • Competitive pinball player described as 'the comeback kid' and 'house favorite'; competed in Walking Dead finals; demonstrated strong multiball gameplay

    The Walking Dead Launch Party "A" FinalsNov 7, 2014
  • Tournament official making rulings at INDISC 2022; known for fitness stretching habits related to pinball performance

    INDISC 2022 Classics I PlayoffsDec 29, 2022
  • Competitive player who provided tips to Ron on Surf and Safari during PAPA

    Episode 38 – Josh Hates Twilight ZoneApr 13, 2017
  • Tournament Director for event; competing in playoff group two

    Pinball at the Lab 2022 - PlayoffsSep 2, 2023
  • Historical high stakes winner (2020); not in 2023 high stakes finals despite strong track record

    INDISC 2023 - High Stakes Playoffs - SemifinalsDec 26, 2023
  • Competitive pinball player, finalist in 2019 IFPA Pin-Masters, previous Pinburgh champion

    2019 IFPA Pin-Masters Playoffs | FinalsJun 11, 2020
  • New York-based pinball player still competing in tournament

    INDISC 2020 - Classics II PlayoffsJan 6, 2022
  • Competitive pinball player, played in World Cup semifinal matches at Free Play Florida 2018

    Free Play Florida 2018 Main Playoffs - SemifinalsDec 8, 2018
  • Tournament director at INDISC 2019

    INDISC 2019 - Classics I Playoffs - FinalsMar 5, 2019
  • Tournament director for INDISC 2019, praised for event organization

    INDISC 2019 - Classics II Playoffs - First RoundApr 13, 2020
  • INDISC player from Erie, California; scored 21M on Medieval Madness in tournament play

    INDISC 2019 - Main Playoffs - QuarterfinalsApr 21, 2020
  • PAPA top four finisher in past three years; competing in group seven

    Episode 37 – Super Duper PAPA Preview ExtravaganzaApr 4, 2017
  • Southern California pinball figure associated with It Never Drains tournament organization, known for hosting pinball parties and machine collections; mentioned as co-organizer

    Episode 70 – Blue SwedeNov 23, 2017
  • Co-organizer of tournaments at the Museum of Pinball, also hosted World Championships games at his barn.

    Down the Pinball Rabbit Hole with IFPA President Josh Sharpe (Ep.61)Jul 26, 2021
  • Tournament organizer and game curator for InDisc; strategically modifies tournament machines with cheap but effective mods; owns game lab in Southern California

    Final Round Pinball Podcast Ep 51: Dumb and DumberMar 3, 2022
  • American pinball player; finished 16th at Indisc 2020 qualifying; owned several games in the high stakes bank; played in Anthony's first-round group at Indisc.

    The Aussie Pinball Podcast Ep 8: Anthony CirilloAug 14, 2022
  • Competitive pinball player; finished 17th in 2019 Pinball Expo Flipout Tournament A Division

    PINBALL EXPO 2019 - SUNDAYOct 30, 2019
  • Competitive player; 3rd place PAPA A, 4th place IFPA; only player to reach final four in both events; earned entry to top 10 rankings (#7)

    PAPA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2016 & IFPA 13Jun 29, 2016
  • Competitive pinball player, set Guinness records on Addams Family, Twilight Zone, and Creature from Black Lagoon in April 2006 event

    Just for the RecordMay 8, 2006
  • Winner of YEGPin 2025 Match Play Championship, competitive pinball player from Murrieta, CA

    The Score Card: Canada's Big Battle and More MajorsJun 11, 2025
  • Host of IFPA World Championships games in his barn location in USA; maintains collection of 60-70 machines in tournament-ready condition.

    Aussie Pinball Podcast Ep 22: Lambo & Tom Experience The IFPA World ChampionshipsNov 28, 2024
  • Tournament bank curator and pinball operator; maintained playfield banks for INDISC 2024; known for machine customization and maintenance

    INDISC 2024 - Women's Championship Playoffs - QuarterfinalsJun 26, 2025
  • Collector/operator who loans difficult vintage games to Carl D'Angelo for wizard mode challenge content

    Triple Drain Pinball Podcast Ep 8: The Three Stooges Meet The WizardOct 27, 2021
  • Co-organizer of InDisc. Contributor of many of his personal games to InDisc venue.

    Triple Drain Pinball Podcast Ep 13: This Tom Is Real I SwearJan 27, 2022
  • Former Pinberg champion; one of Indisc organizers; reportedly loves Spooky's Halloween

    Episode 194 – Talk To The LightOct 26, 2022
  • Tournament organizer and community figure; mentioned in context of InDisc and tournament organization

    Episode 171 – That’s AmoreJul 29, 2021
  • InDisc tournament team member; involved in IFPA Open logistics

    Episode 236: Josh Sharpe is 40!Dec 5, 2019
  • Referenced as experienced tournament organizer and player who successfully manages event running and streaming simultaneously

    Episode 247. Snow Galvin and the big Colorado weekendMar 6, 2020
  • Elite California/national pinball player; appeared in PAPA 2011 final with Massenkoff; known for trapping skill

    Episode 158: Andrei Massenkoff…on the fly!Oct 5, 2018
  • Co-organizer of InDisc tournament; provided advice and guidance to Neil McCrae for UK Open organization.

    Episode 347: UK Open, Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2022Aug 1, 2022
  • Southern California arcade operator; hosts IFPA World Championship event in June

    Episode 392: Dalton ElyFeb 23, 2024
  • Tournament player and organizer mentioned in passing

    PNP 645- Ryan Sets The Record Str8 On David Fix+ Karl D HIRED@BOF For Winchester Mystery House PinballOct 13, 2025
  • Major California operator, organizer of InDisc tournament, hosting IFPA 19 World Championships at Press Start Arcade

    Jeff Teolis of Pinball Profile - Episode 13Jan 18, 2024
  • Hosted IFPA World Championships at his house (referenced as having 75+ games); known tournament collector/organizer

    Episode 230 – On The ClockJun 11, 2024
  • Indisc organizer and co-founder, competitive player

    Episode 250: Cayle George returnsMar 25, 2020
  • Pinball player and collector; loans machines to Carl for wizard mode attempts; competitive rival of Carl; tournament organizer

    Episode 290: Karl’s Wizard Modes and PinClashDec 4, 2020
  • Tournament director and organizer of InDisc; contributes hundreds of hours to tournament coordination; primarily tournament directing rather than playing at InDisc.

    Episode 314: Bob MATH-useSep 8, 2021
  • Primary organizer of INDISC tournament; pinball collector and arcade operator; brings 60-65 personal machines to event; won high-stakes tournament in 2021

    Episode 330: Jim Belsito – INDISC 2022Jan 17, 2022
  • INDISC organizer and staff member; worked extensively on logistics and machine setup for 2022 event in Riverside; runs Mission Control arcade (50-cent games) in Southern California; mentioned as providing special treatment to women's tournament

    Episode 335: INDISC 2022 recapFeb 20, 2022
  • Competitive pinball player; discovered Iron Maiden upper loop exploit (upper loop, upper loop, upper loop)

    Episode 361: Keith Elwin set for CarnageMay 4, 2023
  • One of the greatest pinball players ever; associated with InDisc tournament; favorite game is Halloween

    Episode 367: Julian NahachewskyJul 14, 2023
  • IFPA 19 host/venue operator. Based in Marietta, California. Operates commercial pinball and arcade games. Community organizer modeling tournament formats after Indisc.

    Episode 403: Bart VolmanAug 15, 2024
  • 2024 World Championships host; owns venue in Southern California; known for opening home to international players

    Episode 410: Presidential talk with Josh SharpeNov 6, 2024
  • Tournament organizer who hosts IFBA World Championship (Jim Belsito's IFBA 19) and is known for machine setup and curation; runs Papa-format tournament.

    Episode 412: Major ChampionsDec 28, 2024
  • InDisc tournament organizer/curator; manages game bank selection and tournament logistics

    Episode 415: Kaylee CampbellFeb 16, 2025
  • Tournament organizer/host who provided games including Deadly Weapon at IFPA Worlds

    Episode 420: Jason WerdrickJun 5, 2025
  • Hosts IFPA 19 world championships at his property; collaborated with Captain's on pre-event tournaments

    Episode 402: Captain’s Auction Warehouse (and showroom)Aug 13, 2024
  • Created venue for IFPA World Championships 19; California-based operator praised for hosting quality and hospitality

    Episode 407: Pinball in AustriaOct 9, 2024
  • Requested Junkyard ROM and other modifications from Worre; referenced regarding spinner adjustments

    Episode 245: Soren WorreFeb 24, 2020
  • Co-director of INDISC; tournament organizer and game technician known for extensive playfield modifications and customization

    Episode 237: INDISC and the IFPA OpenDec 24, 2019
  • Tournament player and world champion; finished third at Pinburgh 2018

    Episode 146: Pinburgh 2018 recapAug 4, 2018
  • Co-organizer of InDisc; primary technician responsible for game maintenance and setup; museum curator coordination

    Episode 172. Karl DeAngelo. INDISC 2019 is coming!Jan 10, 2019
  • Southern California TD known for taking on unconventional game selections and making them tournament-viable; operates Never Drains series.

    Episode 155: TD advice with Doug PolkaSep 19, 2018
  • Semi-finalist at Pinburgh 2024 from California; known tournament player and organizer; coordinated strategy with Carl D'Angelo in final rounds

    Episode 215: August Whirlwind!Aug 28, 2019
  • Competitive pinball player who defeated Robert Byers in TPF finals approximately 13 years ago; provided early coaching on nudging techniques that influenced Robert's competitive development

    Episode 115: Who is this guy?Mar 19, 2018
  • Annual party host in Southern California credited with introducing DeAngelo to competitive pinball; co-founder of IE Pinball streaming and co-tournament director of It Never Drains with DeAngelo

    Episode 15: Karl DeAngelo, iepinballJan 14, 2017
  • Pinburgh champion, cited as expert player across all machine eras

    Episodes 3 & 4: Bowen Kerins, part 1 & 2Nov 8, 2016
  • INDISC co-organizer responsible for game preparation and selection; also hosting 2025 IFPA World Championships in California six months after INDISC

    Episode 382: INDISC 2024 will soon be hereDec 12, 2023
  • IFPA Open and Indisc tournament co-director; secured Riverside Convention Center venue; ranked #4

    Episode 328: The Pinball Profile Top 10 Most Intriguing People of 2021Jan 14, 2022
  • California-based pinball player; friend of Straley's; plays at The Lab

    Episode 425: Jokton StrealySep 14, 2025
  • Older competitive pinball player from Arizona tournament scene mentioned as representative of older generation. Won a notable title (possibly Yagpin or Indis).

    Dirty Pool Podcast Ep10 – After Hours: Electric Bat Arcade with Rachel & CaleJun 24, 2025
  • Player from Murrieta, California; ranked 10th in tournament; owns LE version of Godzilla

    2020 Stern Pro Circuit Championship Game 8Jul 23, 2023
  • Player from Murrieta, California. Took first place after ball two with 118 million points, leveraging Flamethrower modifier effectively.

    2020 Stern Pro Circuit Championship Game 9Jul 30, 2023
  • Player 4 from Murrieta, California; not yet played in this game segment

    2020 Stern Pro Circuit Championship Game 10Aug 6, 2023