CD8⁺ T cells are believed to play an important role in the control of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. However, despite intensive efforts, it has not been possible to consistently link the overall magnitude of the CD8⁺ T-cell response with control of HIV-1. Here, we have investigated the association of different CD8⁺ memory T-cell subsets responding to HIV-1 in early infection with future control of HIV-1 viremia. Our results demonstrate that both a larger proportion and an absolute number of HIV-1-specific CD8⁺ CCR7⁻ CD45RA⁺ effector memory T cells (T_EMRA cells) were associated with a lower future viral load set point. In contrast, a larger absolute number of HIV-1-specific CD8⁺ CCR7⁻ CD45RA⁻ effector memory T cells (T_EM) was not related to the viral load set point. Overall, the findings suggest that CD8⁺ T_EMRA cells have superior antiviral activity and indicate that both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the CD8⁺ T-cell response need to be considered when defining the characteristics of protective immunity to HIV-1.