League of Legends Season 7 brought high intensity action as teams battled through the ranks to secure their place at the world championship. This season featured new mechanics, evolving metas, and dramatic regional showdowns that kept viewers engaged from start to finish.
Competitive players and casual fans alike followed the shifting balance patches and championship path that defined the year. The schedule, major events, and format changes all shaped how Season 7 unfolded in both solo queue and professional play.
| Season | Start Date | Worlds Qualifying Regions | Major Format Change | Notable Champion Introductions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season 5 | March 2015 | NA, EU, KR, CN | Split structure introduced | Zac, Kaisa |
| Season 6 | January 2016 | NA, EU, KR, CN, others | Arcade modes expanded | Ornn, Neeko |
| Season 7 | January 2017 | NA, EU, KR, CN, LATAM, OCE | Master rank added | Yone, Aatrox |
| Season 8 | November 2017 | Global regions stabilized | Rift Herald introduced | Viego, Aphelios |
Season 7 Competitive Timeline
Regional Split Details
Region by region, Season 7 followed a structured cadence with Spring and Summer splits feeding into international events. Each region adjusted rules for promotion and relegation based on local performance.
Ranked Progression and Master Tier
New Master Division Impact
The introduction of Master rank created new climbing goals for high-elo players and changed qualification expectations for tournaments. This shift influenced coaching focus and draft preparation at higher levels.
Worlds Path and Schedule
Regional Qualifiers and Finals
Season 7 Worlds featured a multi-stage format with Group Stage, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Finals. Regional representation determined seeding, making early bracket positioning crucial for top organizations.
Key Takeaways for Players
- Season 7 ranked ended in August 2017 ahead of the Season 8 launch.
- Master rank was introduced and remained relevant into the next season.
- Worlds qualification paths became more structured after Season 7.
- Balance patches and meta shifts continued to influence pick strategies.
- Regional events and qualifiers shaped global tournament representation.
FAQ
Reader questions
When did Season 7 actually end for ranked play?
Season 7 competitive play concluded at the end of the Summer Split finals in August 2017, with the transition to Season 8 beginning in November of that year.
Did the end of Season 7 affect champion availability in ARAM?
No, ARAM maintained its rotating free champion pool independent of ranked season transitions, so players could still access all available champions during events.
What happened to Master rank at the end of Season 7?
Master remained as a competitive rank heading into Season 8, but the rank distribution and promotion thresholds were recalibrated based on queue population data.
Were legacy missions reset when Season 7 ended?
Legacy mission progress did not carry over, and Season 8 introduced a new set of challenges tied to the updated mastery and leveling system.